• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Clinical Trials
  • Resources
    • Top Blacks in Healthcare 2025
    • Hall Of Fame
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
    • Obesity Resource Center
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Wellness on the Yard
    • Immunocompromised Care
    • BDO Resource Library
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Clinical Trials / 10 Drugs That Affect Darker Skin Differently—And Why It Matters

10 Drugs That Affect Darker Skin Differently—And Why It Matters

10 Drugs That Affect Darker Skin Differently—And Why It Matters

Clinical trials are crucial for medical advancement, as they help determine whether a new treatment, device, or procedure works and is safe for the general population. However, people of color are often underrepresented in many drug trials. 

“For decades, drugs have been largely tested on white, non-Hispanic men,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “There’s evidence that women and patients of color respond quite differently to medication. Failure to test drugs on a diverse patient population can lead to many issues, including a lack of accessibility to effective medical intervention, compounded health disparities between patient populations, and a lack of trust in the medical community.”

Yes, not all drugs work the same for us

A research review published in Human Genomics revealed that darker skin tones can affect certain medications’ safety and effectiveness, indicating a need for better representation of people of color in clinical drug trials.

The review, led by researchers Simon Groen, PhD, and Sophie Zaaijer, found that melanin—the natural substance that produces hair, eye, and skin pigmentation—can interact with some medications, which could alter the medication’s effect on the body.

There are two types of melanin: pheomelanin and eumelanin. Eumelanin has been found to play a larger role in drug interactions. Its unique chemical makeup gives it high binding affinity (strong binding between molecules) for various substances. 

10 Drugs that Affect Darker Skin Differently

Some examples of drugs that have a high binding affinity with eumelanin include:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Ampicillin
  • Antidepressants 
  • Chlorpromazine 
  • Ciprofloxacin 
  • Clozapine 
  • Cocaine
  • Haloperidol 
  • Nicotine 
  • Penicillin G

Although the skin is the body’s largest organ, there’s little research on the potential drug interactions with eumelanin. One study showed that clozapine (an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia) was found in lower concentrations in the plasma of people with sub-Saharan African ancestry compared to those with European ancestry.

Another study revealed that varying levels of eumelanin can influence a person’s nicotine use and dependence. This ultimately could impact people with darker skin tones, as nicotine patches are popularly used as a form of smoking cessation.

With little understanding of how certain drugs can interact with darker skin tones, it can be difficult for healthcare providers to know how effective a treatment will be for their patients.

“Currently, we don’t have a way to predict which patients will respond better to which medications,” Dr. Yadav says. “Ideally, we’d be able to personalize treatments, and part of that may be based on the person’s genetic profile, which might make them more responsive to a particular treatment versus another.”

Skin Conditions that Affect Darker Skin More

People with darker skin are more likely to experience certain skin conditions, including:

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
A common type of pigmentation problem that can occur after skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, or burns. PIH can also occur with acne or eczema.

Melasma
A common pigment disorder that causes brown patches on the face, most often on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Hormones from pregnancy and birth control pills may play a role in causing melasma.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)
Also known as barber’s itch, this is a chronic inflammation of the beard area caused by shaving. It’s more common in men with darker skin types and curly hair.

Keloids
Raised, shiny scars that are often uncomfortable and can grow larger than the original wound. Black skin is particularly prone to keloid formation.
Other skin conditions that can affect people with darker skin include: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), Rosacea, Seborrheic dermatitis, and Skin cancer.

Eczema on Darker Skin

Why Eczema in Darker Skin Is an Issue

Also known as dermatitis, this skin condition is characterized by an itchy, red rash that comes on gradually and lasts a long time. It can be triggered by such things as stress, extreme changes in temperature, dry skin, pet or plant allergies, or irritations caused by skin care or cosmetic ingredients.

When eczema occurs as the result of an inherited tendency, it is known as atopic dermatitis.

Eczema is believed to occur twice as frequently in children with dark skin. One study found its incidence is higher in Mexican-American teens than either whites or blacks. Other research found a greater incidence in Chinese and Vietnamese babies, compared with white babies.

When eczema occurs in those with dark complexions, it presents a two-fold problem:

  • It is often misdiagnosed, leading to long periods of no treatment or the wrong treatment.
  • When not treated early on, it can increase the risk of pigmentation problems.

Treatment for eczema consists of identifying and avoiding products that irritate skin. Use of moisturizer can help a lot, along with steroid creams. Sometimes, ultraviolet light therapy is effective.

It is essential to seek help as soon as possible for any red, itchy rash. Doing so will help avoid pigmentation problems.

What’s Being Done for Darker Skin in Clinical Trials?

As of now, very few guidelines address the issue surrounding skin pigmentation and drug interactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued draft guidance, “Diversity Action Plans to Improve Enrollment of Participants from Underrepresented Populations in Clinical Studies,” to increase diversity in clinical drug trials. 

The FDA’s recently enacted Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act (FDORA) requires medical product sponsors of phase 3 clinical trials or other significant clinical drug studies to submit a Diversity Action Plan designed to increase the enrollment of participants from underrepresented or marginalized populations. 

While the government is making some efforts to make clinical trials more inclusive, the review’s researchers propose the following as the next steps for addressing skin pigmentation drug interactions:

  • Pharmaceutical companies should use 3D-pigmented human skin models to examine how new drugs interact with different skin tones.
  • Clinical trial participants of color should ask clinical investigators if the drugs have been tested to ensure they’re safe for their skin tones. 

“This study offers a compelling argument for expanding the focus on pigmentation in drug development, which could ultimately lead to more personalized and effective treatments for all patients,” Dr. Yadav says.

For those interested in participating in a research study, BDO’s Clinical Trial Resource Center and ClinicalTrials.gov help connect people with researchers who are recruiting eligible participants across the United States. 

By Taneia Surles | Published July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025 by Taneia Surles

The Latest In Clinical Trials

This Study Reveals Why More People Aren't Doing Clinical Trials

This Study Reveals Why More People Aren’t Doing Clinical Trials

A new study, "The influence of socioeconomic status on individual attitudes and experience with clinical trials," published in Nature, sheds light on the significant disparities in clinical trial participation among different socioeconomic groups. The research highlights how factors such as read more about This Study Reveals Why More People Aren’t Doing Clinical Trials
Immunotherapy Works As Well In Senior Cancer Patients As In Younger Adults

Immunotherapy Works As Well In Senior Cancer Patients As In Younger Adults

It’s well-known that a person’s immune system wears down over time, becoming less effective as folks progress through middle age and become seniors. But that doesn’t appear to hinder the effectiveness of immunotherapy for cancer in seniors, a new study says. Seniors read more about Immunotherapy Works As Well In Senior Cancer Patients As In Younger Adults
weight loss drug

New Weight-Loss Drug Ecnoglutide Shows Bigger Results Than Others

While popular obesity and type 2 diabetes medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have continued to grow in demand and usage across the U.S., there may be a new type on the horizon. Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide-based, meaning the read more about New Weight-Loss Drug Ecnoglutide Shows Bigger Results Than Others
prostate cancer, prostate cancer treatment, prostate cancer genetics, prostate cancer genomics

Genetics Aren’t Just Killing Black Men With Prostate Cancer, Poor Healthcare Is

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open looked at the genetic differences in prostate cancer between races. Researchers used data from over 5,000 military veterans with metastatic disease (meaning the cancer has spread from its original site) who underwent read more about Genetics Aren’t Just Killing Black Men With Prostate Cancer, Poor Healthcare Is
constipation medication

Constipation Medication May Offer Breakthrough Treatment for Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious condition that must be managed to avoid kidney failure. Constipation is one complication that can make it worse over time. A recent study finds that the constipation drug lubiprostone can positively impact kidney read more about Constipation Medication May Offer Breakthrough Treatment for Kidney Disease
CAR-T

Could CAR-T Therapy Be a Cure for Lupus? Early Trials Show Promise

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with a spectrum of very different manifestations and variable severity. This makes the condition difficult to diagnose and treat, aiming to put the disease into remission rather than cure it. The read more about Could CAR-T Therapy Be a Cure for Lupus? Early Trials Show Promise

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Icon

A Black Women's Guide To Beating Breast Cancer

1 file(s) 967 KB
Download

Trending Articles

How to Tell If its Covid, The Flu, A Cold or Allergies

COVID

9 Signs Of Adult ADHD Most Overlooked

Man In Suit Concentrating On Laptop

Prepping for Fall Allergies: What EVERY Black Parent Should Know

allergies

How I Found Hope After a Devastating Breast Cancer Diagnosis

How I Found Hope After a Devastating Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Sit Fit: 5 Leg & Thigh Exercises You Can Do Sitting Down

chair exercises
Find a Culturally Sensitive Doctor

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Resource Centers

  • Top Blacks in Healthcare
  • Clinical Trials
  • Wellness on the Yard
  • Cancer
  • Immunocompromised Care
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Careers
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising & Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2025, Black Doctor, Inc. All rights reserved.