Help for every skin type

When it comes to skin and hair treatment, there is no “one size fits all” prescription.

It’s often difficult for African Americans, Asians, Latinos and people of other ethnicities to find specialized, empathetic care for their unique needs, says Ella Toombs, MD, a dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

For that reason, Rush has created an Ethnic Skin and Hair Care Clinic, offering specialized dermatology services for people of different races and ethnicities.

The physicians at the clinic have many years of experience treating dermatologic conditions common in people of different ethnicities, such as the following:

• Scarring and hyperpigmentation. Darkening of the skin due to cuts, burns or acne is common in Asians, African Americans and others with darker skin tones, Toombs says. This is because melanocytes — the cells that give people darker skin — are created in large numbers during healing. As a result, newly healed skin may become darker than the surrounding skin.

  Topical treatments, laser therapy or chemical peeling agents that remove discolored skin can help even out skin tone.

• Moles. For unknown reasons, many African Americans tend to develop harmless, raised, brown or black moles on the face, neck and chest that can make them feel self-conscious.

  “Removing these moles involves a relatively simple procedure that can make a world of difference in how one feels about oneself,” Toombs says.

• Razor bumps. Men with tightly curled beard hair may develop ingrown hairs, causing bumps that hurt or itch, Toombs says.

  Shaving can often make the condition worse, but creams can make a difference.

• Broken, damaged hair. “Anything strong enough to take the kink out of hair, such as chemicals and hot combing, can damage hair,” Toombs says. Dermatologists at Rush can provide tips and prescribe special treatments to help keep hair healthy.

• Skin cancer. People with darker skin often think they’re at low risk for skin cancer, but that’s not true, Toombs says. Checking skin regularly is important. Be alert to changes in the number, size, shape and color of your moles, freckles and other marks. Pay special attention to hard-to-see areas and nonpigmented areas, like the palms and soles, and report any suspicious growths or moles to a doctor.

No matter what your ethnicity or the type of skin or hair you might have, Rush can provide solutions. To make an appointment at the clinic, call (888) 352-RUSH (7874).