Dermatology in the Black Barbershop: A Potential Opportunity for Expanding Access and Bridging Gaps

The document discusses the potential of utilizing Black barbershops as venues for expanding dermatologic care access and addressing health disparities. The authors propose that frequent visits to barbershops by Black men could allow for longitudinal data collection and various interventions. These include providing educational material on conditions disproportionately affecting Black men, educating barbers to identify common conditions, establishing referral services between barbers and dermatologists, and developing in-house dermatology services in barbershops. The authors suggest that such interventions could increase awareness, improve comfort and access to medical care, and dispel myths about skin conditions. They also emphasize the need for culturally appropriate engagement, led by dermatologists connected to the communities, and the importance of support from dermatology organizations and the workforce for systemic change.