Individuals with skin of color make up a broad range of ethnic groups, including Africans, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics. The U.S Census Bureau predicts that minorities will represent more than one-half of the U.S. population by the year 2050. Many skin conditions are more common or have different presentations in patients with skin of color. For example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is darkening of the skin after a rash or injury to the skin, is more common in darker skin types. Central centripetal cicatricial alopecia is a scarring form of hair loss that occurs almost exclusively in black women. Dr. Harvey has extensive clinical and research experience treating patients with skin of color. She also directs a national scientific conference (Bench to Bedside Hampton University Skin of Color Symposium) dedicated to educating other dermatologists about the latest research findings and treatment advances for these conditions.
If you need a dermatologist who specializes in conditions common to skin of color, please visit one of our office locations.
About Dr. Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH
TPMG board-certified dermatologist, Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, has over a decade of experience specializing in treating common and uncommon skin conditions. Her past research efforts have focused on gaps in melanoma outcomes and the use of dermatology services among the underserved. She is an active leader in the dermatologic community and serves on numerous boards for the American Academy of Dermatology and Skin of Color Society. She continues to stay abreast of the latest research and advances in technology in the industry.
Dr. Harvey is located in Newport News and Virginia Beach at the TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology.