ACNE IN BLACK WOMEN

Purchasing Info

Author: Dr. Neil Persadsingh

Publisher: Dr. Neil Persadsingh

Reviewed by: Dr. Sam Gibbs, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK

Publication: Caribbean Health (Oct. 2000)

The most curious thing about this book is the title. Why Acne in Black Women? Surely acne is is a problem for anyone, whatever their gender or skin colour? Dr. Persadsingh's practice in Jamaica has clearly given him a particular expertise and interest in acne in women with pigmented skins and he feels that a book that focuses on their specific questions and needs is warranted. He may well be right. The book will provide an excellent and understandable guide to acne and its management for anyone, but will naturally be of particular interest to those with a more pigmented skin.

Dr. Persadsingh has done a great service by writing a clear and balanced overview of the subject using simple language without being patronizing.

The book opens by explaining that treatment in acne is long-term, requiring patience and perseverance. This shows immediately that the author has experience of managing patients with acne and has learned the art of explaining the essential principles of its causes and treatment.

The biological basis of acne is outlined with helpful diagrams and good quality photographs of the different types of acne lesions. The minimal role of diet is put in its proper place and the reader is warned about the unhelpful effects of occlusive cosmetic products. The real strength of this book, however, is when Dr. Persadsingh addresses the different types of treatment available. Most approaches to treating acne are covered in some detail ranging from the more traditional 'medical' treatments of topical agents, systemic antibiotics and isotretonin to the more 'cosmetic' types of treatments; facials, peels and laser. He outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and particularly welcome is his warning about deeper peels, lasers and dermabrasion which tend to be expensive for the patient and can cause disastrous pigmentary disturbance and occasional keloid scar formation.

There is also a helpful index of frequently asked questions.

Overall this is an excellent little book written in clear language that will be a very welcome and informative read to anyone with acne who wants to know more than the bare essentials. Recommended.

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Dr. Persadsingh has practised extensively in acne. He was trained at the University of the West Indies, Mona, graduating with an M.B.,B.S. in 1970.  He did his post-graduate training at St. John's Hospital for Diseases of the Skin in London, graduating in 1975. He has worked in Canada, Trinidad and Jamaica. He is married and the father of four children.