What Are Skin Conditions

What Are Common Skin Problems in the Latinx Community?

Skin issues don’t discriminate, but certain conditions show up differently on melanated skin—and often get misdiagnosed or dismissed.

Here are some of the most common skin concerns we see:

• Acne: Yep, still around in your 20s, 30s, and beyond. Hormones, stress, and even diet can trigger flare-ups.
• Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots from acne, sun exposure, or inflammation are especially common in brown and Black skin tones.
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Red, itchy, flaky patches—especially behind the knees, elbows, or on the hands.
• Psoriasis: Thick, scaly patches that can appear on the scalp, elbows, or knees.
• Melasma: Often called the “pregnancy mask,” this causes dark patches—usually on the cheeks or forehead—and is more common in people with medium to darker skin.
• Fungal infections: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, or yeast infections on the skin happen more than you’d think, especially in warm climates or after sweating.
• Razor bumps & ingrown hairs: Common in folks with curly or coarse hair—often worsened by shaving without proper technique or tools.
  

Because many skincare studies have historically focused on lighter skin, Latinx individuals often get underdiagnosed or given the wrong treatment.