Dermatologists need training in managing all skin types to ensure they can deliver high-quality, personalised care to every patient, US researchers report.

The researchers set up focus groups with African American dermatology patients, finding many had negative experiences with doctors who they felt did not understand the differences between black and white skin.

Each of the focus groups consisted of 4-12 people, who came from similar backgrounds and had attended various clinics where they had been seen by doctors of different races.

Some patients said they had experienced clinic visits in which the doctor seemed uncomfortable touching their skin.