Representation of Skin of Color in Dermatologic Media and Healthcare Trust

Abstract

# Background Dermatologic educational materials and media have historically underrepresented darker skin tones. Limited representation may be associated with perceptions of inclusivity and experiences of dermatologic care.

# Objective To assess associations between perceived skin tone representation in dermatologic media and self-reported healthcare experiences and information-seeking behaviors.

# Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of an anonymous, cross-sectional U.S. web-based survey (n = 205), using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression. Open-ended responses were examined thematically.

# Results Of 205 respondents, 118 (57.6%) perceived predominantly White/fair skin imagery online. After adjustment for age and gender, this perception was associated with higher odds of treatment dissatisfaction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.82; 95% CI, 1.27–6.56; p = 0.011) and reliance on social media for skincare information (aOR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.19–11.15; p < 0.0001), but not significantly with delayed care (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.81–4.48; p = 0.139). Open-ended responses addressed access, representation, and healthcare experiences.

# Conclusions Perceived predominance of White/fair imagery in dermatologic media was associated with treatment dissatisfaction and online skincare information-seeking in this cross-sectional sample. More representative educational materials warrant study, but causality and effects on healthcare trust cannot be established from these data.

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BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{zhang2026representation,
  title = {{Representation of Skin of Color in Dermatologic Media and Healthcare Trust}},
  author = {Enyao Zhang and Vedha Dande and Latha Ganti},
  journal = {Academic Medicine \& Surgery},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.62186/001c.172326},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.62186/001c.172326},
  note = {CC BY},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Representation of Skin of Color in Dermatologic Media and Healthcare Trust
AU  - Enyao Zhang
AU  - Vedha Dande
AU  - Latha Ganti
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/27
JO  - Academic Medicine & Surgery
DO  - 10.62186/001c.172326
UR  - https://doi.org/10.62186/001c.172326
AB  - # Background Dermatologic educational materials and media have historically underrepresented darker skin tones. Limited representation may be associated with perceptions of inclusivity and experiences of dermatologic care.  # Objective To assess associations between perceived skin tone representation in dermatologic media and self-reported healthcare experiences and information-seeking behaviors.  # Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of an anonymous, cross-sectional U.S. web-based survey (n = 205), using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression. Open-ended responses were examined thematically.  # Results Of 205 respondents, 118 (57.6%) perceived predominantly White/fair skin imagery online. After adjustment for age and gender, this perception was associated with higher odds of treatment dissatisfaction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.82; 95% CI, 1.27–6.56; p = 0.011) and reliance on social media for skincare information (aOR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.19–11.15; p < 0.0001), but not significantly with delayed care (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.81–4.48; p = 0.139). Open-ended responses addressed access, representation, and healthcare experiences.  # Conclusions Perceived predominance of White/fair imagery in dermatologic media was associated with treatment dissatisfaction and online skincare information-seeking in this cross-sectional sample. More representative educational materials warrant study, but causality and effects on healthcare trust cannot be established from these data.
SN  - 2996-2617
ER  -

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