Blacks and other people of color will likely be more violet and thicker with less prominent scaling. In dark skin, psoriasis can also be dark brown and difficult to see.
These differences often lead to a misdiagnosis in people of color which is problematic. Research shows that delaying proper diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis can decrease the likely hood of long-term recovery.
The discolored skin patches associated with psoriasis can show up anywhere on your body, but typically affects the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet. The patches can also show up on your fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside your mouth.
Psoriasis is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression—diseases that affect Blacks at disproportionate rates. In fact, people with severe psoriasis are 30 percent more likely to have type 2 diabetes. One explanation for the increased diabetes risk is many people with psoriasis are overweight.
Additionally, the inflammatory process in the body contributes to the development of heart disease.
How is Psoriasis Treated?
There’s currently no cure for psoriasis, but treatment can