Skin questions

The term melanism refers to black pigment in the skin or its appendages. Most commonly, dark individuals become fitter to survive and reproduce in their environment as they are better camouflaged. Adaptive melanism has been shown to occur in a variety of animals, including mammals such as squirrels, many felines and canids, and coral snakes.Melanism, meaning a mutation that results in completely dark skin, does not exist in humans.

Melasma is a tan or dark skin discoloration. Melasma is thought to be caused by sun exposure, genetic predisposition, hormone changes, and skin irritation. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medication

1.5 g of the epidermis falls out of the body daily. Exfoliated epidermis feed mites and other microorganisms.

Adermatoglyphia is a genetic disorder which causes a person to have no fingerprints. There are only four known families in the world affected by this condition.

Vitamin D is synthesized from cholesterol in the skin with the help of the natural ultraviolet wavelength of sunlight. Supplementation of vitamin D is recommended only for sun-deprived people (eg. elderly or living in the Far North).