Black and white human skin differences

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Abstract

This review of black and white human skin differences emphasizes the alleged importance of factors other than the obvious, i.e., skin color. Physicochemical differences and differences in susceptibility to irritants and allergens suggest a more resistant black than white skin. Differences appear to exist in the frequency of which several skin diseases occur among blacks and whites. A striking feature in this literature is the disagreement between authors. Common for much of this information is difficulty of interpretation, because of socioeconomic influences and other environmental factors.

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    **

    From the Department of Dermatology, University of California Medical School.

    *

    Assisted by Nicholas Laboratories, Liv Bryhns Fond, Knud Høj- gaards Fond, C. Carl Petersens Fond, Pharma Medica Fonden, and a Fulbright-Hays Travel Grant.

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