In dermatology research, the use of race and ethnicity as population descriptors has come under increasing scrutiny, with experts questioning whether these broad categories obscure more than they reveal about human health. A recent study challenges long-standing practices in clinical trials, highlighting the need for more precise measures, such as skin color, to ensure accurate data and promote health equity.
At the core of the issue is the recognition that race and ethnicity are social constructs, not biological markers. Historically, these categories have been used as stand-ins for genetic variation and skin color. However, they fail to capture the nuanced diversity among individuals, which can lead to oversimplified conclusions and, ultimately, perpetuate health disparities.
This concern was front and center at the Skin of Color Society’s second Meeting the Challenge Summit, where over 100 dermatology professionals from the U.S. and abroad gathered to examine the intersection of race, skin color, and cultural influences. Key themes emerged from the summit, including calls for transparency in the use of population descriptors, acknowledgment of the role of racism in dermatology, and the urgent need for objective tools to classify skin color more accurately.
The study concludes that continuing to conflate social identity with biological traits in dermatology research risks undermining the validity of clinical data. Instead, incorporating specific descriptors like skin color, while considering social determinants, offers a path toward greater inclusivity and scientific rigor. As the field of dermatology evolves, this shift could play a pivotal role in addressing disparities and advancing care for diverse patient populations.
Reference: Nana A et al. Rethinking the use of population descriptors in dermatology trials and beyond: disentangling race and ethnicity from skin color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90:885-889.
