62 citations
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December 1966 in “Endocrinology” Injecting α-MSH made mice's hair turn black.
May 2021 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Nicastrin deficiency may cause skin cell damage and pigmentation disorders in humans, similar to effects seen in fish.
2 citations
,
January 2002 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Vitiligo causes white skin patches, often starts before age 20, and is linked to other health issues.
6 citations
,
March 2009 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” A sphingolipid from human placenta may help treat vitiligo by activating melanocyte stem cells.
June 2023 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Lichen planus pigmentosus mainly affects middle-aged women with darker skin, is underreported, and is hard to treat.
January 2026 in “Current Issues in Molecular Biology” miR-5110 affects alpaca pigmentation by altering specific gene expressions.
53 citations
,
November 1997 in “Journal of Forensic Sciences” Darker hair in guinea pigs holds more codeine than lighter hair.
18 citations
,
April 1989 in “Archives of Dermatology” Iron deficiency can cause hair color changes, which can be reversed with iron supplements.
August 2018 in “Pediatric Dermatology” A baby had a unique skin condition with a pale patch and surrounding dark hairs, not linked to other health issues.
March 2026 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” 15 citations
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June 1986 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Androgens increase pigmentation in young hamsters, but estrogens can reverse this effect.
December 2025 in “Scientific Reports” α-Mangostin can naturally lighten skin by reducing melanin.
Skin diseases look different on pigmented and nonpigmented skin.
November 2022 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” The study found markers indicating that cells responsible for hair color are differentiating in specific areas of the hair follicle.
4 citations
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March 2020 in “JAAD Case Reports” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause darkening of all nails.
SLC24A5 shows a clear selective sweep, but no link to UV radiation intensity.
Melanin-rich skin has unique challenges in diagnosing and treating skin diseases.
2 citations
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March 2023 in “JAAD case reports” Hair repigmentation can indicate malignancy and should be investigated.
23 citations
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March 2019 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” ATP increases melanin production in skin after UV exposure, with the P2X7 receptor being crucial for this process.
December 2023 in “Journal of ethnopharmacology” Tribuloside can increase skin pigmentation by enhancing melanin production and distribution.
March 2009 in “Chinese Journal of Dermatology” Melanocytes in the outer root sheath are likely stem cells that grow fast but stay immature.
13 citations
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July 2012 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” A mutation in the Adam10 gene causes freckle-like spots on Hairless mice.
August 2024 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Nail color change might be an early sign of skin pigmentation from minocycline.
11 citations
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April 2013 in “Homo” Darker skin in 10-year-old girls may be an early sign of puberty.
1 citations
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January 2018 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” Increased PHGDH expression causes early melanin buildup in hair follicles.
50 citations
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February 2004 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” 17 citations
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December 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery” The treatment improved hair color in most vitiligo patients without major side effects.
118 citations
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January 1992 in “Experientia” 39 citations
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March 2017 in “Dermatologic clinics” UV light can help stimulate the growth of new pigment cells from hair follicles in people with vitiligo.
86 citations
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August 2000 in “Pigment cell research” Melanocyte activity in hair follicles is linked to the hair growth cycle, being active in growth phases and inactive in rest phases.