Minimizing Bias in Alopecia Diagnosis in Skin of Color Patients

    June 2023 in “ Journal of Drugs in Dermatology ”
    Eliza Balazic, Eden Axler, Christy Nwankwo, Randie H. Kim, Kristen Lo Sicco, Kseniya Kobets, Prince Adotama
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    TLDR Doctors should use thorough examinations and more research to better diagnose alopecia in patients with skin of color.
    The document discusses the issue of misdiagnosis of alopecia in patients with skin of color (SOC), particularly Black patients, due to lack of representation in current literature and potential biases. It emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination process, including patient history, clinical exam findings, trichoscopy, and potentially a biopsy, to prevent misdiagnosis and improve clinical outcomes. The authors present three cases where the initial suspected diagnosis did not match the results from trichoscopy and biopsy, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosing alopecia in SOC patients. They also stress the need for continued research on alopecia in SOC patients to improve diagnostic outcomes.
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