Body system
Chickenpox (varicella) on Black skin
Key cue: Crops of vesicles in different stages at once, 'dewdrops on a rose petal'. Look for the fluid-filled blister stage; colour of the base is less reliable on Black skin.
Read the atlas pageMeasles on Black skin
Key cue: Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the cheek) + high fever + cough/coryza/conjunctivitis, the rash can read as hyperpigmented rather than red.
Read the atlas pageNecrotizing fasciitis on Black skin
Key cue: Pain out of proportion to skin findings is the single most important cue, colour changes are subtle on Black skin. Tenseness, crepitus, and rapid progression override visual reassurance.
Read the atlas pageSarcoidosis (cutaneous) on Black skin
Key cue: Violaceous or hyperpigmented papules and plaques on face, scalp, old scars, or tattoos, 'scar sarcoidosis' is particularly common in Black patients.
Read the atlas pageScarlet fever on Black skin
Key cue: Fine sandpaper-feel rash, strawberry tongue, flushed cheeks (subtle on Black skin), peeling in groin/armpits in week two.
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