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Related Concept Videos

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

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The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
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The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
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The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
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Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
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The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
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Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 24, 2025

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Structural and functional differences in skin of colour.

C Iwuala1, S C Taylor2

  • 1Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA.

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|August 13, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Skin of colour (SOC) refers to individuals with darker skin tones. Understanding structural and functional skin differences in SOC populations is key to addressing unique dermatological conditions and advancing research.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and Skin Biology
  • Population Health and Genetics

Background:

  • Individuals of African, Latinx, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous descent are categorized as 'skin of colour' (SOC).
  • SOC individuals often exhibit distinct presentations of common skin disorders and unique dermatological conditions compared to lighter-skinned populations.
  • These differences are rooted in the structural and functional variations of their skin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and functional differences in the skin of colour (SOC) population.
  • To provide insight into the etiology of common dermatological conditions prevalent in SOC individuals.
  • To encourage further research into the causes and treatments for skin conditions in diverse populations.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of skin structures (melanosomes, stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis) between SOC and white populations.
  • Review of existing literature on dermatological conditions in different skin tones.
  • Identification of key structural variations influencing skin function.

Main Results:

  • Significant structural and functional differences exist in the skin of SOC individuals compared to white individuals.
  • These variations directly impact the presentation of conditions such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, xerosis, and keloid formation.
  • Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing the unique biological characteristics of skin of colour (SOC) is essential for dermatological practice.
  • Further research into the specific aetiologies and tailored therapeutic interventions for SOC populations is warranted.
  • This understanding will improve patient outcomes and promote health equity in dermatology.