How to Educate Dermatology Patients on Colorism Issues, With Seemal Desai, MD, and Pearl Grimes, MD

In a second segment of a recent Skin of Color Savvy podcast, produced by HCPLive in partnership with the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), dermatologists Seemal R. Desai, MD, and Pearl Grimes, MD, expanded their discussion on colorism and pigmentary disorders by focusing on patient education, dangerous skin-lightening practices, and the broader advocacy efforts needed to address the global harms associated with skin bleaching.1

Desai emphasized that open and detailed communication with patients is critical when evaluating pigmentary concerns in clinical practice. He explained that dermatologists must go beyond simply asking whether patients are using treatments for pigmentation and instead ask specifically about moisturizers, serums, brightening creams, and products purchased online or abroad. According to Desai, many harmful products marketed as beauty or fairness creams may contain potent topical steroids, high-dose hydroquinone, arsenic, or mercury without patients fully understanding the risks involved.

He noted that unsafe skin-lightening practices remain widespread in several parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Desai referenced reports of severe systemic toxicity and even deaths related to chronic exposure to mercury- and arsenic-containing bleaching products, highlighting recent research he coauthored in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology examining these concerns.

Grimes agreed that careful product review has become an essential part of patient care. She described routinely asking patients to bring products into the office or pull ingredient lists up on their phones during visits to better understand what they are using. According to Grimes, this level of investigation is often necessary because many patients may unknowingly apply harmful agents as part of daily skin care routines influenced by societal pressures surrounding skin tone.

The discussion also turned to the growing popularity of glutathione-based skin-lightening therapies, particularly intravenous glutathione infusions marketed by clinics in the US and abroad. Grimes warned that these treatments are far from benign, citing reports in the medical literature linking IV glutathione “cocktails” to severe adverse events including anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. She additionally described a recent patient case in which prolonged use of high-dose oral glutathione was suspected of contributing to severe, widespread vitiligo.

Both physicians stressed that combating colorism requires coordinated advocacy efforts involving clinicians, regulatory agencies, and professional organizations. Desai pointed to collaborations involving groups such as the American Academy of Dermatology, the Global Vitiligo Foundation, and the International League of Dermatological Societies aimed at increasing awareness of the medical and psychological harms tied to skin bleaching practices.

Grimes concluded by emphasizing the importance of helping patients appreciate their natural skin tone and identity while working to dismantle the longstanding societal stigmas that continue to fuel colorism worldwide.

Editor’s note: This description was summarized with the help of AI tools.

References

1. Desai S, Grimes P. Skin of Color Savvy: Tackling Colorism in Dermatology, With Seemal Desai, MD, and Pearl Grimes, MD. HCPLive. March 24, 2026. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/skin-of-color-savvy-tackling-colorism-dermatology-seemal-desai-md-pearl-grimes-md.