Skin pigmentation
Skin Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation (pronunciation: /ˈskɪn ˌpɪɡmənˈteɪʃən/) refers to the coloring of the human skin which is primarily determined by the amount and type of a pigment called melanin produced by cells known as melanocytes.
Etymology
The term 'pigmentation' is derived from the Latin word 'pigmentum', which means 'paint'. 'Skin', on the other hand, comes from the Old Norse word 'skinn', which means 'animal hide'.
Types of Skin Pigmentation
There are three main types of skin pigmentation:
- Eumelanin: This is the most common type of melanin and is responsible for brown and black pigments in the skin.
- Pheomelanin: This type of melanin provides pink and red colors to the skin.
- Hemoglobin: Although not a type of melanin, hemoglobin, found in blood vessels, also contributes to skin color.
Disorders of Skin Pigmentation
There are several disorders associated with skin pigmentation, including:
- Albinism: A condition characterized by the absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
- Vitiligo: A condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes), resulting in discolored patches in different areas of the body.
- Melasma: A common skin problem that causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face.
- Hyperpigmentation: A condition where the skin appears darker.
- Hypopigmentation: A condition where the skin appears lighter.
Related Terms
- Melanocyte: A cell in the skin that produces and contains the pigment called melanin.
- Melanin: The pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color.
- Dermis: The thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Skin pigmentation
- Wikipedia's article - Skin pigmentation
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