The human scalp has different types of pigment cells in hair follicles with varying abilities to produce pigment.
3 citations
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January 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders” Hair color is not a risk factor for developing alopecia areata.
September 2022 in “Frontiers in Medicine” New treatments and drugs show promise for improving skin pigmentation and regeneration.
29 citations
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June 1998 in “Developmental Biology” More melanoblasts in hair follicles mean better survival and proper hair pigmentation.
November 2022 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology/Indian journal of dermatology” Valproic acid can cause dark lines on nails.
1 citations
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April 2015 in “Neurology” Skin pigmentation increases in CRPS-affected areas and improves with symptom relief.
11 citations
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February 2018 in “Archives of Pharmacal Research” Finasteride reduces melanin production, possibly treating hyperpigmentation and melanoma, but needs more safety research.
2 citations
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May 2023 in “Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery” Light therapy is effective and safe for treating skin color disorders like vitiligo and dark spots.
September 2018 in “CRC Press eBooks” Hair and nail disorders can cause changes in scalp pigmentation, especially with sun exposure and alopecia.
January 2016 in “UNESP Institutional Repository (São Paulo State University)” Melasma results from changes in the skin's pigment and structure, not just pigment cell growth.
69 citations
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January 1995 in “PubMed” Mouse melanocyte structure and function are influenced by genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.
26 citations
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February 2022 in “Journal of pineal research” Melatonin affects skin and hair color and protects skin cells, with potential benefits for hair growth and skin health.
11 citations
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February 1982 in “Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis” A new method can detect mutations in mice by observing changes in hair follicle cells.
January 1981 in “Purdue e-Pubs (Purdue University)” Pig skin is similar to human skin, with no major changes as they age.
1 citations
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January 1981 in “Elsevier eBooks” Melatonin stops melanin production after tyrosinase action, with cyclic GMP mimicking this effect.
24 citations
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January 2023 in “Cancer Research” AMPK activation may reduce melanoma risk in red-haired individuals.
48 citations
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March 1997 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Vitiligo causes white skin patches but can be treated in many ways.
27 citations
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May 2024 in “Clinical and Translational Medicine” Melanocyte stem cells are vital for skin and hair color and have potential in treating skin disorders and cancer.
MITF and WNT3A are key in Dun Mongolian horse pigmentation.
November 2025 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Dark skin has stronger barriers and structure due to specific gene activity.
27 citations
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August 2006 in “Laboratory Investigation” SCF and ET-1 together significantly increase skin pigmentation and melanin production.
43 citations
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October 2005 in “Molecular and cellular endocrinology” Hair melanocytes help the skin respond to stress and regulate hair pigmentation.
1 citations
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April 2004 in “Cancer” Imatinib mesylate can cause skin lightening, especially in Chinese patients, due to its effect on pigment production.
January 2022 in “Indian dermatology online journal” Pigmented papules on the ear can be a rare skin condition called cutaneous amyloidosis, treatable with topical tretinoin.
2 citations
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January 1999 in “Dermatology”
TBX3 gene affects horse coat color, with higher expression in darker areas.
4 citations
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March 2024 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” SPRY1 deficiency in skin cells causes stem cells to move to the skin surface, leading to increased pigmentation.
30 citations
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June 2006 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Oral zinc sulphate reduces dark hair color in mice.
March 2026 in “Portuguese Journal of Dermatology and Venereology” Avoid hair dye after microneedling to prevent scalp pigmentation.
17 citations
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April 2002 in “Contact Dermatitis” Minoxidil 5% caused skin discoloration in a man using it for hair loss.