1. SKIN COLOR

2. Melanocytes
Melanocytes = cells in stratum basale that produce differing amounts of the pigment*melanin
Approximate # of melanocytes same in all ethnicities

3. There are 2 main types of melanin:
EUMELANIN (brown/black melanins) are photoprotective
PHAEOMELANIN (red/yellow melanins) may contribute to UV induced skin damage
*Variations in hair and skin color are due to varying amounts of eumelanin and phaeomelanin produced by melanocytes

4. How does Melanin affect Skin and Hair Pigmentation?
*While skin color can be
affected by the environment – genetics plays a major role

5. SKIN COLOR PIGMENTS& CONDITIONS
CAROTENE:
Yellow-orange pigment
Located mostly in STRATUM CORNEUM

6. HEMOGLOBIN:
Red pigment
Carries oxygen in red blood cells

7. JAUNDICE Skin color is yellowish
Due to accumulation of bile in the blood (bile is made in liver)

8. ERYTHEMA Redness of skin (may be caused by sunburn)
Caused by congestion of capillaries

9. VITILIGO Loss of skin pigment; immune cells attack melanocytes
Appearance is pale patches of skin

10. CYANOSIS
Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by lack of oxygen in the blood

11. PALLID (PALLOR) Pale skin complexion Possible causes
include: emotional response or anemia

12. ALBINO
Lack of melanin pigment
Melanocytes cannot produce melanin