Representation of diverse skin tones in Nelson’s Textbook of Pediatrics

Objective

Physicians are trained to visually recognize disease using images. Many pediatric dermatologic conditions are initially identified and treated by pediatricians, who need to diagnose on varied skin tones. The objective was to evaluate if figures depicting cutaneous disease in the preeminent pediatrics textbook reflect diverse skin tones.

Methods

Figures depicting dermatologic findings in Nelson’s Textbook of Pediatrics were assessed using the Fitzpatrick, Massey-Martin, and Color Bar scales. The distribution was compared to the US population using American National Election Survey 2012 data. The three scales were compared for concordance. Statistical analysis included chi square with P < 0.05 significant.

Results

Of 515 figures, 484 were classifiable. Light skin tones were depicted in 453 (93.6%) by Fitzpatrick, 364 (75.2%) by Massey-Martin, and 406 (83.9%) by Color Bar, moderate tones in 92 (19.0%) by Massey-Martin and 53 (11.0%) by Color Bar, and dark tones in 31 (6.4%) by Fitzpatrick, 28 (5.8%) by Massey-Martin, and 25 (5.2%) by Color Bar. The textbook skin tone distribution did not reflect the US population: light 75.2% vs. 63.3%, moderate 19.0% vs. 25.8%, dark 5.8% vs. 11.0%, respectively (P < 0.00001). The three scales yielded consistent proportions for light/moderate vs. dark tones (P = 0.71). Certain conditions were mostly depicted on dark (burns, leprosy, urticaria pigmentosa) or light skin (psoriasis, acne, hemangioma, molluscum, herpes, keloid).

Conclusion

Figures demonstrating dermatologic manifestations are predominantly depicted on light skin tones, and are not representative of the US population. Certain conditions were more commonly shown on dark or light skin tones, unrelated to epidemiology.