Dermatological care in Muslim patients: a perspective on gender and cultural considerations

Increasing racial, ethnic and religious global diversity of patient populations warrants integration of culturally sensitive care by dermatologists. The Muslim population represents one of interest with traditional practices of covering the skin and scalp that often intersect with dermatological care. Recommendations based on Islamic practices followed by many Muslim men and women including providing third-party chaperones, limiting exposure of preferred religiously covered regions and providing spiritually informed treatment guidelines (oral medications within fasting periods) are described here to inform dermatologists on methods to optimize treatment outcomes in this population. This will allow for dermatologists to provide culturally inclusive and equitable care for their Muslim patients.