Atlas of black pediatric dermatology.

Abstract

The black skin differs from the white skin essentially for a higher amount of melanin in the epidermis due to increased functionality of melanocytes. The production of melanin varies in relation to the intensity of light radiation and the majority of individuals who live in a certain latitude has a phototype appropriate at that latitude. When, for various reasons, individuals with very different skin phototype live at the same latitude, light radiation can cause side effects both in subjects with phototype inappropriate for defect (sunburn, skin cancer, etc.) and in subjects with phototype inadequate for excess (reduced production of vitamin D resulting in rickets, cancer, etc.). The skin disorders on black skin differ from those on white skin due to lack of erythema and greater esthetic and psychological significance of the white lesions. In this report are reviewed the most important differences in neonatal skin disorders, nevi, fungal infections, acne, atopic dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, vitiligo and diseases of the hair and nails.