ABSTRACT
With the introduction of numerous new pharmacologic agents for dermatological use over the past several decades, clinicians have more tools in their armamentarium than ever before. Simultaneously, the demographic of the patients seen in dermatology practices has also undergone a major paradigm shift. Patients with pigmented skin are the most rapidly growing segment of the population, and this trend is expected to continue well into the next century. Although many treatments for dermatologic conditions may not vary with level of pigmentation, physiological differences in skin of color may make certain therapies imprudent or even harmful. A thorough understanding of the subtleties involved in treating skin of color with a wide variety of pharmacologic agents is critical for a successful modern dermatologic practice.
