Match Maker
Women's Health South Africa|November - December 2022
The benefits of visiting a dermatologist who looks like you go more than skin deep.
CELIA SHATZMAN
Match Maker

Materia Johnson felt as if her skin was on fire. It started one day with red lesions on her chest. Her skin was itchy and irritated and the rash was spreading. "It felt like I was being bitten by ants," she recalls. "It was terrible." She saw her GP, who referred her to a dermatologist. That doctor prescribed medication, but it didn't ease the itching or spread. She saw another dermatologist who wasn't able to help either, despite prescribing topical medication. After four months of living in pain, she was diagnosed with a form of eczema that is often harder to spot on people of colour and finally got proper treatment from Dr Corey Hartman. (Materia actually knew Dr Hartman socially and, desperate for a solution, decided to see if he might have an answer.) She hasn't had a breakout since.

STARTING AT THE SOURCE

What made Materia's condition so tough to identify? For one, only 10 percent of images in dermatology textbooks show diseases on dark skin, leading to under-diagnosis.

What's more, doctors of colour are woefully underrepresented in the field of dermatology, so the majority of medical students are white and see skin conditions in textbooks on predominantly white patients. That's what spurred London-based medical student Malone Mukwende to create Mind the Gap, a handbook of images and descriptions of signs and symptoms in Black and Brown skin. That's also why other resources such as the Black Derm Directory (a searchable global directory of Black dermatologists) and the University of Nottingham's Skin of Colour Resource, which links to relevant research and info, now exist.

This story is from the November - December 2022 edition of Women's Health South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November - December 2022 edition of Women's Health South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICAView All
Should We All Be More GenZ
Women's Health South Africa

Should We All Be More GenZ

Those born between 1997 and 2012 now make up more than a fifth of the workforce - and while they might have strong opinions on your jeans, it's not the only thing they care about. From healthy boundaries to prioritising mental wellbeing, WH makes the case for growing down...

time-read
8 mins  |
January - February 2024
OPTIMISE YOUR ENERGY
Women's Health South Africa

OPTIMISE YOUR ENERGY

Experts say we're suffering from a \"fatigue epidemic\" - but that it's fixable. Deep-dive into the research behind this phenomenon and learn to service your source for the long haul.

time-read
8 mins  |
January - February 2024
The Real Art Of Getting Closure
Women's Health South Africa

The Real Art Of Getting Closure

The days of waiting for someone else to give you answers are officially over. Understanding isn't handed to you. It's work you - yes, you! - put in.

time-read
3 mins  |
January - February 2024
May I Recommend Being A Serial Dater And Not Having Sex?
Women's Health South Africa

May I Recommend Being A Serial Dater And Not Having Sex?

If you like snacks or bad TV, you're already on your way.

time-read
4 mins  |
January - February 2024
Force Of Habit
Women's Health South Africa

Force Of Habit

From over-worrying to over-shopping, your impulses might hold you back more than you think. Cycle-breaking insights, ahead.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2024
Unleash Your Inner Child
Women's Health South Africa

Unleash Your Inner Child

Sometimes, finding happiness in the present means healing the past. Experts share simple ways to show kindness to your former self.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2024
Water Works
Women's Health South Africa

Water Works

Proper hydration is the key to healthier, more manageable hair - and it doesn't entail a dramatic overhaul. It starts with a little knowledge and ends with a few moisturising micro-adjustments to your routine.

time-read
4 mins  |
January - February 2024
The Active Girl's Sun & Sweat Guide
Women's Health South Africa

The Active Girl's Sun & Sweat Guide

Exercising outdoors requires a little extra effort when it comes to protection. But it's worth it. You can level up your SPF game and still enjoy open-air workouts.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2024
Tatjana Schoenmaker
Women's Health South Africa

Tatjana Schoenmaker

Trailblazer Tatjana Schoenmaker reflects on her remarkable career, what drives her and how she hopes to make the most of her future needs.

time-read
2 mins  |
January - February 2024
Charted Waters
Women's Health South Africa

Charted Waters

Take a deep dive into the sport that'll shape, tone and help you find mindfulness. Your guide to swimming, right here.

time-read
2 mins  |
January - February 2024