Skin of Color Savvy: News Update—Consulting with Physicians Outside of Dermatology

Welcome to Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color!

In the latest News Update episode of Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color, produced by HCPLive and the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), board-certified dermatologist Regine J. Mathieu, MD, joins the HCPLive editorial team to discuss the importance of collaborative, culturally responsive care in dermatology—particularly for patients with melanin-rich skin.

Practicing in Fresno, California at Behr Laser & Skin Care Center, Mathieu shares insights shaped by her own early experiences with acne and by witnessing the dermatologic complications of autoimmune diseases in her family, particularly systemic sclerosis.

Mathieu describes her clinical focus as both medical and cosmetic, with a strong emphasis on pigmentary disorders, hair loss, and inflammatory conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. She notes that patients often seek care for skin darkening—sometimes without realizing it stems from an underlying inflammatory condition. She stresses the importance of listening deeply to patients’ concerns, which are often minimized or misdiagnosed, and connecting symptoms to the larger systemic picture.

One of the central messages of the episode is the importance of collaboration across specialties. Mathieu describes working closely with rheumatologists, endocrinologists, allergists, psychiatrists, and primary care providers to treat conditions with systemic involvement. She shares a case in which a patient’s diffuse hair loss led her to order lab work revealing abnormal thyroid function. Through a multidisciplinary approach, including the patient’s PCP and a rheumatologist, the root cause was treated—ultimately improving the patient’s energy, hair regrowth, and quality of life.

Mathieu also urges physicians outside of dermatology to recognize how skin disease presents differently in melanin-rich populations. She encourages earlier referrals and greater humility when textbook descriptions don’t match what they see in clinic. She emphasizes that dermatologists are not just treating surface-level concerns but often help patients regain their sense of identity, self-esteem, and control over chronic conditions.

She closes by crediting her mother, a registered nurse, for instilling in her the value of compassion and patient-centered care. Above all, Mathieu reminds listeners: Dermatologic health is deeply tied to overall well-being—and dermatologists play a critical role in both.

To learn more about SOCS’s mentorship programs and initiatives, visit Skin of Color Society.