title: Managing the hair and skin of African American pediatric patients.
abstract: In Africa, the ancestral home of most African Americans, hair is viewed as the epitome of beauty. However, when Africans were brought to America as slaves, they were unable to care for their hair and skin adequately and were exposed to the predominant white culture, which valued straight hair and light skin. As a result, many African Americans lost self-esteem because of the characteristics of their hair and skin. In this article we examine the anatomic and physiologic features of African American hair and skin and typical African American hair and skin care practices. Common African American hair and skin disorders and their management are discussed. The goal of this article is to help primary care providers understand the special hair and skin care required for African American children (as well as other dark-skinned patients). With good patient education, understanding one's own hair and skin characteristics can also support positive self-esteem.
authors.affiliation: Multonomah County Health Department, Portland, Ore., USA.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burns
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D044383:Black People; D006197:Hair / Q000502:physiology*; D006203:Hair Preparations; D006801:Humans; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D006203:Hair Preparations