2nd Edition of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with rising global prevalence. Despite extensive research, there remains a paucity of data on AD in patients with skin of colour (SOC), leading to potential disparities in diagnosis, management, and outcomes.
Objective: This narrative review explores genetic, clinical, and socioeconomic differences in AD between patients of European ancestry (EA) and those with non-European ancestry, identifying gaps in current diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks.
Methods: A structured literature review was conducted to compare genetic polymorphisms, clinical presentation, histopathological differences, treatment responses, and socioeconomic determinants influencing AD severity and care in SOC populations.
Results: Distinct genetic polymorphisms affect AD susceptibility and expression across ethnic groups. FLG loss-of-function mutations, common in EA patients, are significantly less prevalent in individuals of African ancestry, while variations in claudin-1, SPINK5, and DEFB1 are more relevant in Asian and African populations. Clinically, darker skin tones exhibit violaceous erythema, greater lichenification, and extensor distribution, often misinterpreted by existing scoring systems such as EASI and SCORAD, which rely heavily on erythema detection. A proposed “grey-scale” modifier may improve accuracy in SOC assessments. Socioeconomic disparities further exacerbate disease burden; minority groups face greater barriers to care and environmental risk factors. Limited representation of SOC in clinical trials also hinders equitable therapeutic advancement.
Conclusion: AD in skin of colour demonstrates unique genetic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics that demand greater inclusion in dermatologic research, education, and practice. Incorporating SOC-specific diagnostic tools, culturally competent training, and equitable recruitment in clinical trials could improve patient satisfaction and outcomes globally.