Prevalence

• Acne is one of the most common skin disorders in black adults and adolescents. A study published by the National Institutes of Health says, "Acne vulgaris is an extremely common dermatological problem among Africans and people of African descent worldwide." Despite this fact, researchers have done few studies to examine the responsiveness of black skin to major acne therapies. Physicians have discovered that acne in black skin does cause some distinctive complications.
  
  

Causes

• The American Academy of Dermatology found that many darker skinned people used a hair pomade to manage their hair, and of those, 70 percent developed acne on their forehead. Apparently the pomade blocks the pores where it comes in contract with the skin and resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. Black skinned people also commonly use a moisturizer to keep their skin from becoming "ashy" looking. Some moisturizers clog the pores leading to or worsening acne.
  
  

Problems

• People with black skin often have inflammatory acne, characterized by solid raised spots on the skin and inflamed blister-like lesions filled with pus. In severe cases large cysts develop in the skin. To complicate matters, black skin is more like to develop raised scars called "keloids" and dark spots called "post inflammatory hyperpigmentation" as a result of acne. Keloids result from an over production of collagen as the skin tries to heal the inflamed acne lesions. The hyperpigmention occurs as the melanin, pigment in the skin darkens as the skin becomes inflamed.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Physicians do not recommend specific treatments for acne in black skin. But people with black skin can take certain measure to avoid or lessen acne lesions. In the case of acne caused by pomades, acne suffers should stop using then, or apply the pomade one inch behind the hairline or only to the ends of the hair. All moisturizers used should be "noncomedogenic", meaning they won't clog the pores. People with black skin can lighten dark spots with over the counter skin lighten products. These contain ingredients, such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, Alpha-Arbutin, licorice extract, mulberry extract, glycolic acid, lactic acid, lemon juice extract and Vitamin C. The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests Vitamin A bases products and azealic acid to fade discoloration.
  
  

Warning

• Many over the counter acne treatment contain benzoyl peroxide, which can dry the skin. People with black skin may be less moisturized, meaning that this product may actually irritate the skin more and prolong problems with pigmentation.
  
  People who have skin prone to keloid scarring should treat acne immediately, since lesions may return even after treatment. Exercise caution when seeking treatments such as dermabrasion or chemical peeling for the treatment of acne. These treatments can cause uneven discoloration in black skin.