Pigment-Producing Cells

Pigment-producing cells, also referred to as melanocytes, are the cells located in the skin that produce a pigment called melanin. The melanin serves to protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The number of melanocytes present in the skin is predetermined genetically and is proportional to the degree of pigmentation. For example, individuals with dark skin have more melanin due to an increased number of melanocytes in their skin, while individuals with lighter skin have less melanin due to fewer melanocytes. In dermatology, various skin conditions can result in changes in the number of melanocytes present in the skin. In some skin conditions, there is an increased number of melanocytes and these conditions are considered hyperpigmentations. An example of such a condition is melasma, which is characterized by dark patches of skin on the face. On the other hand, conditions that are associated with a decrease in melanocytes will typically result in depigmentation. Examples of such conditions include vitiligo and albinism. Vitiligo is a condition which causes loss of skin color all over the body and albinism is an inherited condition which results in very fair skin color due to a lack of pigment production In addition to changes in the number of melanocytes, disorders that affect the production of melanin can also cause changes in skin color. Disorders like these range from those that cause an increased and abnormal production of melanin, known as hypermelanosis, to those that cause decreased and absent production of melanin, known as hypomelanosis. In general, it is important for dermatologists to assess the presence of pigment-producing cells and their associated processes to make accurate diagnoses and determine the best course of treatment. Methods such as observation, biopsies, and laboratory tests can all be employed to identify pathological distinctions between the three main types of skin pigment disorders: hyperpigmentations, depigmentations, and color disturbances.