Vitíligo
Henriette De La Garza, MD, Taylor Erickson, MD y Brandi Kenner-Bell, MD
¿Qué es el vitíligo y qué lo causa?
El vitíligo es una afección de la piel que hace que se desarrollen manchas blancas en la piel. Las manchas blancas son causadas por la pérdida de las células productoras de pigmento en la piel llamadas melanocitos.1,2 Ocurre en todas las razas, sin embargo, puede tener un impacto más devastador en las personas con tonos de piel más oscuros.1,2 La edad promedio en que las personas desarrollan vitíligo es de 20 años, pero también ocurre en niños y adultos mayores.1,2,3 Se cree que el vitíligo es una condición autoinmune, lo que significa que el propio sistema inmunológico de la persona destruye sus melanocitos.
¿Dónde se produce el vitíligo?
El vitíligo es común en la cara, la parte superior de las manos y pies, axilas, la parte inferior de la espalda, las regiones anal y genital, la ingle y los pezones. El vitíligo también puede ocurrir en áreas del cuerpo donde hay más fricción o trauma (codos/rodillas). El vitíligo puede causar blanqueamiento del cabello en el cuero cabelludo o en el cuerpo.1,2 Hay varios tipos diferentes de vitíligo que pueden presentarse en diferentes patrones en el cuerpo. Puede afectar áreas pequeñas o extenderse por todo el cuerpo.
¿Cómo sé si tengo vitíligo?
Si nota áreas de su piel que han perdido pigmento, que se ven “blancas” en comparación con su tono de piel normal, debe consultar a un dermatólogo.
¿Qué otras enfermedades están asociadas con el vitíligo?
Por lo general la mayoría de los pacientes con vitíligo están sanos. Sin embargo, el vitíligo puede estar asociado con otras enfermedades autoinmunes, incluidas las que afectan la tiroides o las que causan pérdida de cabello como la alopecia areata.1,2 Esto es mas común cuando el vitíligo es extensivo y afecta una mayor proporción de la piel.
¿Qué tratamientos hay disponibles para el vitíligo?
Hay muchas opciones de tratamiento para el vitíligo incluyendo la fototerapia (terapia con luz ultravioleta), láseres, esteroides tópicos y cremas antiinflamatorias, procedimientos quirúrgicos, esteroides orales y otros medicamentos antiinflamatorios orales.1,2,3 Consultar con su dermatólogo le ayudará a determinar qué opción es la adecuada para usted. En algunos casos, el vitíligo puede ser progresivo a pesar del tratamiento. La terapia de despigmentación (en la que el pigmento restante se elimina de forma permanente de la piel con una crema medicada) es otra opción para los pacientes con afección extensa.2,3
Referencias
Escabiasis
Henriette De La Garza, MD, Nonye Ogbuefi, BA y Brandi Kenner-Bell, MD
¿Qué es escabiasis?
La escabiasis (también conocida como sarna) es una infestación en la que pequeños ácaros se introducen en la piel y causan una erupción que da comezón. La escabiasis es muy contagiosa y afecta tanto a niños como a adultos en todo el mundo. El síntoma más común de la escabiasis es la picazón que empeora por la noche. Por lo tanto, la escabiasis puede ser difícil de diagnosticar porque la picazón es común en otras erupciones cutáneas como el eccema.1, 2
La escabiasis puede afectar cualquier parte del cuerpo. Las lesiones cutáneas aparecen como protuberancias o parches escamosos de color rojo o violeta. Las lesiones cutáneas se observan comúnmente en la cintura, las muñecas, entre los dedos, debajo de las axilas y en la ingle. En bebés y niños la erupción suele verse en las palmas de las manos y las plantas de los pies. En las personas inmunocomprometidas, las lesiones suelen aparecer como costras o escamas blancas y gruesas. Esto se conoce como sarna costrosa.2, 3
¿Cuál es la causa de la escabiasis?
La escabiasis es causada por un ácaro llamado Sarcoptes scabiei var. homínidos. Se puede propagar fácilmente al estar en contacto cercano con alguien que está infestado de sarna. La escabiasis se ve comúnmente en personas que viven en áreas concurridas como guarderías y refugios y con frecuencia se contagian miembros de la familia y los cuidadores.2, 3
¿Cómo sé si tengo escabiasis?
Un dermatólogo diagnosticará la sarna en base a la historia y el examen físico. Al examinar la piel, el médico puede tomar muestras de las lesiones raspando la piel para examinarla bajo el microscopio.3
¿Qué tratamientos hay disponibles para la sarna?
La escabiasis se trata con cremas tópicas como la permetrina. En algunos casos, se pueden necesitar medicamentos orales. Es importante tratar tanto a la persona infectada como a los contactos cercanos aunque no presenten ningún síntoma. La picazón puede persistir durante varias semanas después del tratamiento y el médico puede recetar otros medicamentos como antihistamínicos para aliviar la picazón. La ropa y sabanas que estuvieron en contacto con personas infectadas deben lavarse a máquina y secarse a altas temperaturas para eliminar los ácaros.1-3
Referencias
1. Chosidow O. Scabies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;354(16):1718-27.
2. Karthikeyan K. Scabies in children. Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition. 2007;92(3):ep65-ep9.
3. Thomas C, Coates SJ, Engelman D, Chosidow O, Chang AY. Ectoparasites: Scabies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;82(3):533-48.
In late 2020, the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) embarked on an exciting journey to conduct a comprehensive strategic planning process, involving SOCS leaders and staff, led by Tecker International, a management consulting firm. In Q1 2022, we reached finalization of our Strategic Plan, which is summarized in the following overview.
GOAL A: Dermatology will be a diverse, knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate specialty treating skin of all colors.
GOAL B: Public stakeholders will universally recognize SOCS physicians as the leaders in the field of skin of color dermatology.
GOAL C: The Skin of Color Society will lead advances in skin of color dermatology.
GOAL D: Members will recognize the Society as the gold standard medical organization for skin of color education, research, and mentorship.
To advance skin of color dermatology to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care.
To promote awareness of and excellence within skin of color dermatology through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care.
EQUITY: We ensure inclusivity and diversity to achieve health equities in patient care.
EXCELLENCE: We leverage our recognition and authority within dermatology, the house of medicine, and the public as experts in skin of color dermatology.
MENTORSHIP: We value mentorship as a leadership development tool to foster a diverse workforce at all levels, developing and empowering future leaders in the field.
RESEARCH and INNOVATION: We lead research and innovation through our diverse array of advanced research activities, leveraging collaborations with domestic and international corporations and organizations.
EDUCATION: We educate the public, partners, and colleagues in support of our mission and noble purpose.
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is globally recognized as the preeminent leader in advancing skin of color dermatology to achieve health equity and excellence in patient care. The individual and collective efforts of leaders and members of the Skin of Color Society work synergistically to advance the continued expansion and evolution of the field of skin of color dermatology.
SOCS serves as the go-to authority and source of skin of color dermatologic knowledge and expertise for patients of color, the dermatological workforce, trainees, collaborators in the medical community, industry, the media, and the public-at-large.
The Society heightens awareness, deepens understanding and bridges knowledge gaps as the leading repository of skin of color dermatology education, including information on a wide array of dermatologic conditions, challenges and issues affecting people of color.
As a result of the work of SOCS, patients of color, physicians, the field of dermatology reap ongoing benefits from a more diverse, highly competent, well-trained, culturally sensitive, and inclusive workforce that is representative of, and reaches parity with, the global population--ultimately delivering compassionate, excellent and equitable dermatologic care for all.
A continuous pipeline of dermatological students, residents and fellows is comprehensively trained in the care of diverse populations with ready access to highly skilled mentors in all aspects of skin of color dermatology (medical, cosmetic and surgical), spanning private practice, public service and academia. This significant, sustainable increase in the number and diversity of well-trained dermatologists enables us to achieve healthcare equity for patients of color, ensure excellence in patient care and introduce innovations that positively impact the entire dermatology ecosystem.
SOCS shapes the future of skin of color dermatology by providing leadership development opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders, as well as offering ongoing mentorship experiences to physicians at all career levels--resulting in the continuous evolution and growth of dermatologists and the specialty as a whole, ultimately benefiting patients of color.
Research in the field of skin of color dermatology thrives, leading to important scientific and technological discoveries and breakthroughs, including effective new treatments and even cures for complex conditions affecting people of color. Patients of color participate regularly and broadly in clinical trial research for a wide variety of new medications and treatments under investigation.
SOCS stands as the globally recognized leader in supporting skin of color research, facilitating funding for investigative study in this diverse dermatologic field. SOCS itself offers grants to support junior investigators and seasoned physician-scientists alike, whose scientific investigations advance the field and lead to better treatments and cures that will positively impact people of color.
On an ongoing basis, SOCS leverages effective partnerships with like-minded organizations to advance understanding of the science of hair, skin and internal diseases in patients of color, as well as the art of dermatology and vital healthcare considerations relevant to racially, ethnically and culturally diverse populations.
SOCS supports unified, diverse communities around the world consisting of dermatologists with expertise in, and a passion for, skin of color dermatology, who collaborate with supporting local institutions and organizations to ensure that patients of color have access to the highest quality dermatologic care in a culturally competent manner.
Thank you to those who participated in the SOCS strategic planning:
Crystal Aguh, MD, FAAD
Ammar Ahmed, MD, FAAD
Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, FAAD
Cheryl Burgess, MD, FAAD
Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD
Marcelyn Coley, MD, FAAD
Seemal R. Desai, MD, PhD, FAAD
Ncoza C. Dlova, MD
Nada Elbuluk, MD, FAAD
Donald Glass, II, MD, PhD, FAAD
Pearl Grimes, MD, FAAD
Corey Hartman, MD, FAAD
Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD
Candrice R. Heath, MD, FAAD
Loren D. Krueger, MD, FAAD
Henry Lim, MD, FAAD
Lynn McKinley-Grant, MA, MD, FAAD
Amy McMichael, MD, FAAD
Amit G. Pandya, MD
Stavonnie Patterson, MD, FAAD
Maritza Perez, MD, FAAD
Ellen (Nikki) Pritchett, MD, MPH, FAAD
Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD
Rashmi Sarkar, MD
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD
Neelam Ajit Vashi, MD, FAAD
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD
STAFF:
Janice Ayarzagoitia, MA
Nancy Balik FitzGerald, BS
Vanessa Gray, MHA, CMP, CHCP
Blanca Stella Mejia, BA
Jeffrey Miller
Kimberly Miller, BS
Veronica Purvis, MSM, CAE
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is the world’s leading professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care.
Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS has grown from a small, highly dedicated group of dermatologists to become a vibrant global organization with more than 1,200 members from nearly all the United States and 35 countries around the world.
As a premier international society devoted to skin of color dermatology, our work includes:
We invite your membership and participation in our growing, dynamic society!
You do not have to be an individual with skin of color to be a member of the Skin of Color Society. We welcome all races and ethnicities of qualified professionals who have a special interest and training in skin of color dermatology.
SOCS membership categories include:
The Skin of Color Society provides members with a uniquely enriching professional and personal experience. SOCS members can enjoy a wide array of distinctive benefits, including:
Access to Members Only section (Coming soon).
Why SOCS?
“I am absolutely thrilled with the trajectory of SOCS since we began in 2004. When we look at how the membership has grown, it’s so rewarding to see the expansion in the numbers of members involved, as well as our diversity and the wide range of valuable programs and activities we now offer.”—Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founder
"I wouldn’t be the kind of dermatologist I am without the Skin of Color Society. I think it has really shaped who I am as a physician, as a person. I’ve learned a lot more about diversity, about my patients. I ask more questions. Hopefully I am better at what I do because of it.”--Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS member and Skin of Color Society Early Career Innovations Grant Founder
“I’m constantly learning new things from my colleagues and co-members who are in this organization. Every day, I’m able to use something that I’m learning from one of my colleagues and incorporate that into my everyday practice.”—Crystal Aguh, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Board Member
JOIN THE WORLD’S LEADING SKIN OF COLOR DERMATOLOGY ORGANIZATION!
The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is the world’s leading professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care.
Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS has grown from a small, highly dedicated group of dermatologists to become a vibrant global organization with more than 1,200 members from nearly all the United States and 35 countries around the world.
As a premier international society devoted to skin of color dermatology, our work includes:
We invite your membership and participation in our growing, dynamic society!
Who can join?
You do not have to be an individual with skin of color to be a member of the Skin of Color Society. We welcome all races and ethnicities of qualified professionals who have a special interest and training in skin of color* dermatology.
SOCS membership categories are below. Visit here for details.
Fellow Member
Associate Member
Resident Member
Research Fellow
Student Member
Unique Benefits of SOCS Membership
“I am absolutely thrilled with the trajectory of SOCS since we began in 2004. When we look at how the membership has grown, it’s so rewarding to see the expansion in the numbers of members involved, as well as our diversity and the wide range of valuable programs and activities we now offer.”—Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founder
“We are a group that is truly committed to excellence, a really unique group. I wish we could call ourselves the Skin of Color Family instead of the Skin of Color Society, because this is a group where we use our commitment and passion for science and care and combine it with leadership, camaraderie and passion for everything that is related to skin of color dermatology.”—Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, SOCS Past President
“The Skin of Color Society is a great brotherhood or sisterhood…where people really learn from each other.”—Cheryl Burgess, MD, FAAD, Former Board member
“Being a part of the Skin of Color Society is being part of an international community of individuals ranging from dermatologists, members of industry, medical students, residents, all who share one passion: passion in advancing the care of dermatologic disorders in patients with skin of color, a population that has some unique unmet needs. SOCS really stands alone as the only and the premier organization that focuses on advancing the education, awareness and research into areas of importance for patients of color.”—Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, Co-chair, SOCS Scientific Committee
“I wouldn’t be the kind of dermatologist I am without the Skin of Color Society. I think it has really shaped who I am as a physician, as a person. I’ve learned a lot more about diversity, about my patients. I ask more questions. Hopefully I am better at what I do because of it.”—Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS member
“The Skin of Color Society is so special because it is a group of extremely dedicated dermatologists. It’s national, it’s international…there are people who are academicians, clinicians in private practice, there’s a close network.”—Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD, FAAD, SOCS Past President
I’m constantly learning new things from my colleagues and co-members who are in this organization. Every day, I’m able to use something that I’m learning from one of my colleagues and incorporate that into my everyday practice.”—Crystal Aguh, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Board Member
“We take the individual from the place where they’re just starting in their medical career and thinking about ‘where would I like to go?’ “Is dermatology right for me?” all the way through residency, through fellowship and into their practicing world. For someone who’s coming to the Society new, I would recommend they start with committee work, then start to move up in the Society as we are always looking for the next leaders.”—Amy McMichael, MD, FAAD, SOCS Past President
“One of the exciting parts about the Skin of Color Society is our Mentorship Program, and that’s where you bring these generational dermatologists together and you come up with new ideas and learn how to treat your patients, without the adverse events that we commonly see in patients with darker skin.”—Valerie Callender, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founding Member
We warmly invite you to join the Skin of Color Society family today!
*People with skin of color are of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and include African Americans, Asians, Hispanics or Latinos, Native Indians and Pacific Islanders primarily, as well as individuals from these groups who have intermarried
“I am absolutely thrilled with the trajectory of SOCS since we began in 2004. When we look at how the membership has grown, it’s so rewarding to see the expansion in the numbers of members involved, as well as our diversity and the wide range of valuable programs and activities we now offer.”—Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, SOCS Founder
“We are a group that is truly committed to excellence, a really unique group. I wish we could call ourselves the Skin of Color Family instead of the Skin of Color Society, because this is a group where we use our commitment and passion for science and care and combine it with leadership, camaraderie and passion for everything that is related to skin of color dermatology.”—Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, SOCS Past President
“The Skin of Color Society is a great brotherhood or sisterhood…where people really learn from each other.”—Cheryl Burgess, MD, FAAD, Former Board member
“Being a part of the Skin of Color Society is being part of an international community of individuals ranging from dermatologists, members of industry, medical students, residents, all who share one passion: passion in advancing the care of dermatologic disorders in patients with skin of color, a population that has some unique unmet needs. SOCS really stands alone as the only and the premier organization that focuses on advancing the education, awareness and research into areas of importance for patients of color.”—Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, Co-chair, SOCS Scientific Committee
“I wouldn’t be the kind of dermatologist I am without the Skin of Color Society. I think it has really shaped who I am as a physician, as a person. I’ve learned a lot more about diversity, about my patients. I ask more questions. Hopefully I am better at what I do because of it.”—Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, SOCS member
“The Skin of Color Society is so special because it is a group of extremely dedicated dermatologists. It’s national, it’s international…there are people who are academicians, clinicians in private practice, there’s a close network.”—Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD, FAAD, SOCS Past President
I’m constantly learning new things from my colleagues and co-members who are in this organization. Every day, I’m able to use something that I’m learning from one of my colleagues and incorporate that into my everyday practice.”—Crystal Aguh, MD, MPH, FAAD, SOCS Board Member