It is sometimes harder to see on darker skin than on lighter skin.
It can also be harder to conceal when severe and make those affected feel more self-conscious.
On light skin, psoriasis causes dry, red, itchy patches with silvery scales known asplaques.
Zoe Hansen / Verywell Health
Zoe Hansen / Verywell Health
How Common Is Psoriasis in Black People?
Psoriasis can affect anyone but is far more common in White people.
For White people, psoriasis typically covers 1% to 2% of the body surface.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Black people tend to experience psoriasis on 3% to 10% of the body surface.
Scalp psoriasis also tends to be more common and severe in Black people.
Genetics may play a role as well as washing naturally textured hair less often to prevent hair breakage.
Julie Bang / Verywell
The differences in symptoms can have an extreme emotional impact on Black people with psoriasis.
This included feelings of self-consciousness, frustration, helplessness, and anger.
Differences in Causes and Risk Factors
No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis.
Several others, like LCE3C and LCE3B, are seen in people of European or Asian descent.
With that said, a person’s socioeconomic status may influence their access to certain treatments.
There are also subtle differences in treatment approaches for Black people and other people of color.
They also may not respond as well to certain treatments such as phototherapy and require more aggressive therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriasis can initially be less visible on darker skin tones.
This discoloration is not permanent and usually disappears in three months to a year.
Psoriasis lesions usually look like thickened areas of skin with a scaly crust.
These lesions are usually itchy and may bleed if scratched.
In Black people, psoriasis may appear violet with grey scales.
Psoriasis may also appear dark brown and be less visible in darker skin tones.
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