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Multicultural Dermatology | UC Davis Health

Dermatology

Multicultural Dermatology

We understand the distinct skin care needs of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our dermatologists bring medical knowledge and cultural competency to every visit.

Medically reviewed by Oma Agbai on July 01, 2026.

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Multicultural Dermatology

We understand the distinct skin care needs of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our dermatologists bring medical knowledge and cultural competency to every visit.

Our Difference

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Expertise in Inclusive Skin Care

Our dermatologists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating conditions in skin with diverse types of pigmentation and structure. This specialized knowledge means you receive accurate diagnoses and treatment plans designed for your skin type.

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Personalized Treatment

We carefully consider factors like your skin's tendency toward hyperpigmentation, keloid formation or other responses. This personalized care means you get treatments that are effective and safe for your skin.

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Culturally Informed Care

Our team recognizes and understands the skin care concerns specific to your racial or ethnic background. We offer a judgment-free space where you can discuss your skin and hair health openly, so you feel heard and respected.

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As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.

Referring Physicians

To refer a patient, submit an electronic referral form or call.

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Patients

Call to make an appointment.

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Our Services and Specialties

Our dermatology teams provide culturally informed care and consider how skin conditions may look and respond differently across a range of skin types and tones.

Our services and specialties include:

Cosmetic Dermatology

Our cosmetic dermatology services are designed for your unique needs, using advanced treatments that avoid scarring or hyperpigmentation (dark marks). We use techniques proven safe for diverse skin tones.

Medical Dermatology

Our providers diagnose and treat the complete range of skin conditions. We have knowledge of common and rare conditions, with a focus on topical and systemic treatments that are safe and effective for you.

Surgical Dermatology

Our clinic provides advanced surgical care for your skin’s needs. We offer removal of cysts, moles, cancers and other growths, as well as reconstruction to improve skin’s appearance.

Awards and Recognitions
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U.S. News Best Hospitals badge: Ranked in 6 specialties, 2026-27

Ranked among the best in 6 specialties

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

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U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals badge: Ranked in 3 specialties, 2026-27

Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals

U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)

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U.S. News Best Regional Hospitals badge: Sacramento metro, recognized in 23 types of care, 2026-27

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.

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Magnet recognized badge: American Nurses Credentialing Center

The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

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NCI badge: Designated comprehensive cancer center

World-class cancer care

One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

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LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader badge: 2024, Healthcare Equality Index

A leader in health care equality

For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.

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Conditions We Treat

Skin conditions can look different in diverse types of skin, and some frequently affect people from certain ethnic backgrounds. Our team has deep experience recognizing and treating these concerns.

Conditions we treat include:

Acne and Acne Scarring

We treat acne and the dark marks or textural changes it often leaves behind. Our approaches clear breakouts while minimizing any long-term effects.

Autoimmune Skin Conditions

We diagnose and manage skin symptoms of autoimmune conditions, such as a lupus rash or psoriasis. When needed, we work with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for complex conditions.

Hair and Scalp Disorders

Our team cares for the full range of hair disorders, including hair loss, scalp inflammation and traction alopecia. We understand the cultural significance of hair and provide compassionate, effective treatment to restore scalp and hair health.

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

We diagnose and manage conditions that cause redness, swelling, itching or irritation, such as eczema, erythema dyschromium perstans and pseudofolliculitis barbae. We focus on calming inflammation while preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can sometimes occur.

Keloids and Scars

We provide specialized treatment for raised, thickened scars. Our team offers options to reduce their appearance and prevent new keloid formation.

Pigmentation Disorders

Many conditions can cause uneven skin tone, dark spots, light patches or other changes. We offer personalized treatment for these conditions, including acne keloidalis nuchae, erythema dyschromicum perstans and vitiligo.

Skin Cancer

Providers often find skin cancer at later stages in people who have deeper skin tones, so early detection is important. Our providers offer comprehensive screenings and the latest skin cancer treatments, including Mohs surgery and reconstruction.

Skin Growths

We offer surgical treatment for non-cancerous growths, such as dermatosis papulosa nigra, hidradenitis suppurativa and moles. Our expertise includes treating growths that appear different in color or texture on skin with deeper tones.

Treatments We Offer

Our clinic provides the full range of treatments customized for safety and effectiveness in people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We stay current with the latest research and technologies, so you receive advanced, evidence-based treatment that fits your needs.

Our dermatologists provide:

Chemical Peels and Resurfacing

Our clinic offers treatments for texture, tone and clarity that are safe for your skin type and tone. We specialize in providing treatments that do not trigger hyperpigmentation.

Injectable Treatments

We offer cosmetic injectables including botulinum toxin and dermal fillers to address volume loss, wrinkles and aging. Our team is also skilled in providing injections to target keloids and scars.

Laser, Light and Energy-Based Treatments

Our specialists provide laser, light, radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments. We carefully calibrate these devices to safe levels for your skin tone.

Surgical Procedures

We perform biopsies, excisions and other skin procedures using techniques to minimize scarring and discoloration. Our team is also knowledgeable in closure techniques that provide positive aesthetic results.

Systemic Medications

We prescribe oral or injectable medications for conditions that require internal treatment. Our team chooses medications that are safe for your skin and carefully monitors you for side effects.

Topical Therapies

Our team is knowledgeable in the latest topical medications, including creams, gels and ointments. We select medications that are less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity in your specific skin type and tone.

FAQs

Skin types of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds have unique characteristics. These skin types can respond differently to many treatments. A dermatologist with specialized training in multicultural dermatology can identify these conditions so you receive answers and a clear path forward. They also avoid treatments that might cause common complications like hyperpigmentation or scarring.

Many dermatologic treatments were originally developed for and tested on less-pigmented skin tones. This means they may require different settings or formulations for safe, effective results. Our providers understand these differences and adjust your treatment accordingly.

We will begin by discussing your overall health and skin concerns. Then, we will examine your skin and discuss possible tests or treatments, depending on your needs and goals. We answer your questions and explain your options so you can make informed decisions about your care.