Rethinking ‘Caucasian’: a push toward more equitable language in dermatology

The word ‘Caucasian’ is a commonly used adjective intended to describe a person with lightly pigmented skin. The term is not only an inaccurate descriptor for the majority of white people, but also has racist origins based on Johann Blumenbach’s racial hierarchy, which placed Caucasians at the top. We aim to educate our specialty about the history of the word ‘Caucasian’ and to empower dermatologists to choose accurate descriptors that are not steeped in racist historical origins.