Acne Treatment for African-American skin

[Michelle]

How can I find a dermatologist that is experienced with African-American skin?  I have been to two dermatologist and both have been white and neither was particularly experienced with darker skin.  One doctor even had me go to a dermatology convention so that other doctors could look at me.  (At that time my problem was granuloma anularea).  I know that there are ethnic differences in skin and I would very much like to find a doctor, not necessarily a black doctor, that knows a little bit more about my skin and is not just trying to experiment.  I have used Triaz Cleanser for my acne, as well as Retin-A Micro.  The Triaz Cleanser didn't work at all.  The Retin-A worked but caused severe peeling and discoloration.  I would greatly appreciate any help that you could give me.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Michelle:

Most any dermatologist ought to be able to help you.  Treatment of African-American skin does not differ all that much from treating other skin colors.  Special care is, of course, warranted to avoid irritation and pigment changes, which last longer (though not permanently) on pigmented skin, and which make the success of treatment harder to assess.

Suggestions: 1)call your local medical school teaching hospital and ask if their dermatology department has a section devoted to problems of people of color. 2) Check out the dermatologists on your area on the website of the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org) to see if any lists this as their special interest. 3) call individual dermatologists and ask their staff whether the doctor has particular experience/expertise in this area.

Best.

Dr. R

[Cheryl Harris]

You should seriously consider using "Black Opal" skincare products.  They were developed by a Black dermatologist in Washington, DC by the name of Cheryl Burgess and they are wonderful.  I use them twice daily (starting with the Blemish Control soap, fade gel and mosturizer).  They've made a very big difference in the appearance of my skin.  I use to get pimples and break outs on a weekly basis and I had severe discoloration but now my skin is perfect.  Also, you may want try the Edgar Morris line of skincare products for African-Americans.  However, you can only order these through mail or telephone orders.  The Black Opal products can be purchased at Sally's, CVS or any drug or department store.  I know the Sears Department stores in the Washington, DC area carry them.  I promise you if you try either of these excellent products you'll see results.  Please keep me posted and let me know how it's going.  My e-mail address is ***@****

[KayCee]

Is there a national association for black Dermatologists? I've been looking for weeks to no avail....PLEASE HELP!

[GENESISJDR @AOL.COM]

IS  THERE A WAY TO REMOVE SCARS THAT ARE ATLEASE 20 YEARS OLD? THE SCARS ARE ONLY ON MY LEGS AND ARE THE RESULT OF CUT AND SCRATCHES AND HAIR ROOT FLARE UPS. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL DERMATOLOGISTS IN THE NEW YORK AREA AND HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS. I WAS TOLD THE SOFT LIGHT LAZER MIGHT WORK BUT IT MIGHT ALSO WORSEN THE PROBLEM. I NEED SOMETHING THAT IS SURE TO WORK. I'M NOT ABLE TO WEAR SHORTS OR MINI SKIRTS WHICH IS SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO DO. PLEASE HELP IT'S VERY DEPRESSING.
J.R.

[Cathy R]

I have been told by several white dermatologists in a round about way that black skin is different and that some treatements may not respond to black skin.  I have had acne for 15 years.  The best think that I have found was on an informertial.  Proactive solution.  I have spent thousands of dollars on products and doctor visits.  After 6 days I did not have a single pimple on my face.  By the way my acne was cystic.  Also, the glycolic products worked pretty good but not as good as the proactive solution.

Good Luck!

[Cathy R]

I have been told by several white dermatologists in a round about way that black skin is different and that some treatements may not respond to black skin.  I have had acne for 15 years.  The best thing that I have found was on an informertial.  Proactive solution.  I have spent thousands of dollars on products and doctor visits.  After 6 days I did not have a single pimple on my face.  By the way my acne was cystic.  Also, the glycolic products worked pretty good but not as good as the proactive solution.

Good Luck!

[Chandra Small]

I am working with a group of people who seek to conduct research on assisting African American men and women who deal with the age old problem of unsightly bumps or psuedofolicalitis which occurs from shaving.  How do I go about contacting the right resources?

All interested parties please contact me at ***@****

[Nikki on Saturday April 8, 2000]

My problem now is with acne scars, i have finally found something to eliminate most of the acne breakouts. What would be the best method for me to get rid of the scars. Please give me suggestions and comments that would AT ALL HELP! Thanks

[T.A.]

My skin has turned  balck/gray around the temples, cheeks and neck area. It itches and feels rough. I have tried everything to lighten the discoloration but nothing works.  Do you have any suggestions.

[Kazrell]

I am a african american male who has a rash problem with my bald head. I frequently go to barbers to get my head shaved, and I make sure that they use alcohol after the shave and I seem to develope some type of rashes or pimples on my head. I have been using pimple cream to help the pimples however, the still seen to develope. What should I do or use?
Thanks

[james]

I am looking for a black Dermatologist that accepts Aetna in the VA-DC metro area

[james]

I have a mild case of acne on my back.  I am an African-American.  I had a serious bout with acne when I was younger. I took accutane it cured the acne on my face but left a rather rough surface on my face. And now I have back acne but I'm not sure of the cause.  May it be my shampoo, soap, detergent or clothes.  What should I do.  I am looking for a dermatologist who specializes in African-American skin in the Northern Virginia or Washington DC area.

[Ian]

i have ingrown hairs that leave scars on my face.  what products can i use to take the scars away and reduce the occurence of ingrown hairs?

[monica]

I have so many blemishes, scars, pimples, and sores on my body.  My legs hair these dark little bumps, which may be from shaving. My face has many scars and blemishes from acne.  What can I do or what can I buy to help get rid of these? How long should I use these treatments?

[Yvon Avit]

I would like information's on black opal Products (a contact, an addres for to send a letter

thank you !

Sir Yvon Avit
7 boulevard d'Algérie 75019
PARIS
FRANCE

E-Mail : ***@****

[Reggie]

i am also looking for a dermatologist who can help me with my skin problems.  I am 27 years old and for most of my life i have had a skin problem.  Sometimes it gets very clear; but it makes a change for the worst.  Another problem is that it have problems in certain places in my face.  When it clears up on one side the other begin to experience the bumps and dark discolorations.

Please help somebody!

[jamal]

Hey? I don't don't have a lot a problems with my skin, it's just sometimes. I've tried a lot of products on the market, some seem to work, others do not. After the acne is cleared, black marks are left on the skin where the acne pimple use to be(skin pigmentation). Is there any products out there that can treat acne and heel skin pigmentation at the same time? It's one thing to get rid of the acne, then you have to worry about skin skin pigmentation. Do guys require a stronger treatment than girls? I'm seventeen and I know that acne is normal, and my parents tell me not to worry about it, and that it will go away in time. But that's not the way I see it. If possible, could you recommend a product I could try. Thank you for your time and remember that, god loves you.

[John]

My scalp has a chemical burn, and now it itchy and scaby what can I do to stop the itching and bumps?

[Mike]

I have acne on my buttocks and it left scars, is there any way I can get rid of the scars and the bumps completely

[Sharon Culpepper]

Hello, I am a Afro-American women and have a problem trying to get rid of the dark spots from my bikini line.  I used to shave with lesser quality razors, learned my lesson, but the marks still remain.  In addition, I tried electrolisis and this unfortunately also left marks.  I have been using a skin fade cream prescribed by my doctor and it has helped tremendously, but still is not all even toned.  I now longer use razors on my bikini line and now have it waxed, which has also helped. Can you tell me what you would recommend for me to use on my bikini line and underarms to even my skin color back and rid the dark spots.  

Thank you!
Sharon

[Annjanette Jackson]

I have a sister who has a medium carmel brown complexion with a
1 inch darker color flat birthmark on her face. It really bothers her,and she would like to know if there are any dermatologists out there who could remove it by laser, etc?

[E in Ga.]

Hello,
I have a couple of questions about my skin.
I am 40 years old, and I have always been told that I have great skin. Well, that era must be ending! For the last 5 months or so, my skin has stared to have these dry patches on my right cheek, yet the remainder of my face at times will be oily.
I have tried the products by Origins and they seemed to work for the lasata couple of years keeping my skin perfect. But for some reason, it is not working anymore. I have crazy skin, even though it is oily, it is still senstive,so I can't use anything harse.
I have tried Oil of Olay, shea butter soap, vaseline at night, oil free moisterisuer, heavy moisteriser at night, etc.
Nothing seems to help. I do drink water constantly.
HELP.
Thanks.
contact me at patterson_e***@****

followup!

[E in Ga.]

Hello,
I have a couple of questions about my skin.
I am 40 years old, and I have always been told that I have great skin. Well, that era must be ending! For the last 5 months or so, my skin has stared to have these dry patches on my right cheek, yet the remainder of my face at times will be oily.
I have tried the products by Origins and they seemed to work for the lasata couple of years keeping my skin perfect. But for some reason, it is not working anymore. I have crazy skin, even though it is oily, it is still senstive,so I can't use anything harse.
I have tried Oil of Olay, shea butter soap, vaseline at night, oil free moisterisuer, heavy moisteriser at night, etc.
Nothing seems to help. I do drink water constantly.
HELP.
Thanks.
contact me at patterson_e***@****

followup!

[debra]

My face always used to be clear,but 2months ago i started having acne .After the acne was gone the pimles left many brown marks on my face. Please advise me because i have used Retin-A micro and also some fading cream,but there have been very little improvement.

[Rhonda]

What can I do about the WHITE HEADS that keep appearing around
my nose and mouth area espeically at the corners of my mouth.
Despartley seek help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rjc

[priscilla]

I am a black american female, 36 yrs of age and now I'm experiencing a major change in my skin?  HELP! Never had acne, pimples nothing.  As my period approaches I get bumps on the cheek area or the lower chin area.  They then settled down but the marks are staying (dark, very dark) not going away fast enough.
I keep my face cleaned, washing it twice a day, facial once a week.  I drink plenty of water, and vitamin c juices... I take multi vitamins and vitamin e.  So the qt. is what can I use to help make them go away faster and keep my skin clear?

[Lil PDH]

You all need to stop lying like chocalate don't break people face's out because it does.

[Lil PDH]

I used pro active and it works. You guys out there should also try it.

[DOROTHY MOORE]

For Anyone looking to remove marks left by pimples, the Edgar Morris products are great. I've also years ago used a product called Acne-Statin. It worked miracles for me.

[Barbara Richardson]

Hi, My daughter is twenty-three years and and a couple months ago, her face started to look like she had dicolorations around the lower left side of her face and is now spreading to her nose, and her neck. She went to a doctor to see what was happening. He told her skin disease was called vitilago. What is this? And how do you treat it.

[beeeen]

A related discussion, WHY was started.

[lunabelle150]

A related discussion, dark circles around  eyes was started.