This open-access atlas provides detailed descriptions and high-quality images of a wide range of skin conditions on patients with darker skin tones. It is a vital tool designed to help medical students and healthcare professionals to recognize the distinct ways many skin conditions present on diverse skin tones.
By studying these clinical images and descriptions, learners at all levels can enhance their diagnostic skills and better identify subtle variations in skin lesions and rashes. This essential guide supports clinical education and helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice, with the goal of ultimately improving patient care.
This site may be used for educational and learning purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for the medical decision-making of a healthcare provider. Consult your own healthcare provider if you have any personal health concerns or questions.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne Vulgaris is a common and chronic pilosebaceous disorder. Multiple factors contribute to acne pathogenesis and include increased androgen stimulation of sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization and corneocyte hypercohesivenesss in the upper sebaceous follicle. Cutibacterium acnes proliferation induces inflammation that is neutrophil-driven in early lesions and Th1/Th17-driven in established lesions. Acne vulgaris can lead to scarring and psychosocial consequences such as anxiety and social withdrawal. Acne vulgaris is commonly found on sites with well-developed sebaceous glands such as the face and upper trunk. This process can be non-inflammatory, consisting of closed comedones and open comedones, or inflammatory consisting of erythematous papules and pustules, nodules, pseudocysts. Inflammatory acne can lead to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation especailly in individuals with darker skin tones.