Skin diseases look different on pigmented and nonpigmented skin.
January 2024 in “Australasian journal of dermatology (Print)” A boy's hair turned red because of genetic mutations, not lack of zinc.
2 citations
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October 2016 in “Nutrition in clinical practice” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause facial dark spots that go away with treatment.
13 citations
,
July 2016 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology” DPR can show different hair characteristics, as seen in two brothers with normal hair.
9 citations
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November 2015 in “JAMA dermatology” A 91-year-old woman's hair turned black in one spot, with skin changes underneath.
April 2023 in “International journal of dermatology and venereology” Dermoscopic features can help identify and differentiate types of pityriasis versicolor.
119 citations
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May 1987 in “The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology” Most patients' skin darkening after sclerotherapy fades on its own within 6-24 months.
Melanin-rich skin has unique challenges in diagnosing and treating skin diseases.
November 2021 in “Natural product research” Certain polyphenols may help treat skin pigmentation disorders.
2 citations
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November 2024 in “JAAD reviews.” Certain drugs can change hair color, either lightening or darkening it.
2 citations
,
March 2017 in “Sultan Qaboos University medical journal” An infant had two different natural hair colors on the scalp with no health issues.
11 citations
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August 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin and hair color changes, which can be reversed with treatment.
16 citations
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November 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Iron therapy cured the boy's hair color issue.
2 citations
,
May 2023 in “Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery” Light therapy is effective and safe for treating skin color disorders like vitiligo and dark spots.
4 citations
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April 2019 in “JAAD Case Reports” DPR can cause skin, hair, and nail issues, sometimes appearing later in life.
1 citations
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January 2014 in “Elsevier eBooks” Melanocytes produce melanin; their defects cause vitiligo and hair graying, with treatments available for vitiligo.
74 citations
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July 1995 in “PubMed” Lowering homocyst(e)ine levels can reverse skin and hair lightening by restoring enzyme activity needed for pigmentation.
21 citations
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September 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Yellow and orange colors are important for diagnosing certain skin conditions.
16 citations
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February 2008 in “PubMed” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin darkening and white hair, but it's reversible.
450 citations
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January 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.
25 citations
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May 1995 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei can also affect women, though it's rare.
2 citations
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November 1995 in “American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” Taking vitamin B6 corrected a pregnant woman's metabolic disorder, which changed her hair color.
2 citations
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May 2007 in “Pediatrics in Review” Thorough history and examination are crucial for diagnosing genetic disorders like juvenile polyposis and hypomelanosis of Ito.
Follicular atopic dermatitis in dark skin can look different, making diagnosis harder.
1 citations
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June 2011 in “InTech eBooks” Darker skin provides more protection against UV damage and cancer.
1 citations
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May 2012 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Iron can be present in hair color changes without overall iron deficiency.
4 citations
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March 2020 in “JAAD Case Reports” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause darkening of all nails.
17 citations
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February 2011 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Grey hair is wilder, drier, and less manageable than pigmented hair.
July 2025 in “Advanced Science” Collagen VI and Semaphorin 3C are important for hair pigmentation and could help treat pigmentation disorders.
5 citations
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August 2015 in “Sultan Qaboos University medical journal” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin darkening and other symptoms, which improve with B12 supplements.