Clothing, Intimacy, and Being Seen With Visible Scars and Rashes

Clothing, Intimacy, and Being Seen With Visible Scars and Rashes For many women, especially Black women whose experiences with beauty standards and medical care are often uniquely nuanced, our skin…

Grief, Anxiety, and Medical Trauma in Chronic Skin Conditions

Grief, Anxiety, and Medical Trauma in Chronic Skin Conditions Living with a chronic skin condition is far more than a physical experience. For many Black women and individuals with melanin-rich…

Language, Boundaries, and Self-Advocacy With Others

Language, Boundaries, and Self-Advocacy With Others Living with a chronic skin condition, especially one that manifests visibly on dark skin, carries a unique set of burdens. Beyond the physical discomfort,…

Building a Support System: Therapy, Community, and Creative Outlets for Chronic Skin Conditions

Building a Support System: Therapy, Community, and Creative Outlets for Chronic Skin Conditions Living with a chronic skin condition, especially when you have melanin-rich skin, is a journey that extends…

Preparing for Skin Appointments: Photos, Timelines, and Priorities

Preparing for Skin Appointments: Photos, Timelines, and Priorities For Black women and individuals with melanin-rich skin, navigating the medical system for skin concerns can often feel like an uphill battle.…

Describing Symptoms on Dark Skin So Clinicians Hear Severity

Describing Symptoms on Dark Skin So Clinicians Hear Severity It’s a familiar scenario for many Black women: you leave a medical appointment feeling unheard, your concerns minimized, or your symptoms…

Asking About Diagnoses, Tests, and Treatment Options

Asking About Diagnoses, Tests, and Treatment Options You’ve meticulously prepared for your dermatology appointment, perhaps even using our guide on preparing for skin appointments. You’ve thoughtfully gathered your photos, documented…

When and How to Seek Second Opinions or Specialists for Your Skin Concerns

When and How to Seek Second Opinions or Specialists for Your Skin Concerns For many women of color, navigating the healthcare system for skin concerns can feel like an uphill…

Protecting Your Energy While Advocating for Your Skin

Protecting Your Energy While Advocating for Your Skin The journey to understanding and healing skin conditions, especially those that disproportionately affect melanin-rich skin, is rarely a straightforward path. In theory,…

Triggers and Flare Patterns in Black Women with Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Triggers and Flare Patterns in Black Women with Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa For Black women navigating the complexities of psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), understanding flare patterns isn't just about…