Skin Pigmentation

Freckles (normal Variant)

Accumulations of melanin

Nevus (normal variant)

Moles; concentrated areas of melanocyte. Should be monitored for any changes indicating cancerous overgrowth

Poliosis (normal variant)

A white patch of hair that lacks of melanin

Albinism (disorders)

A lack of melanin production due to double recessive gene- impigmentation

Vitiligo (Disorders)

autoimmune damage to melanocytes causing them to cease producing melanin. This condition tends to progress over time. There’s no cure.

Melanoma(Disorder)

Skin cancer of melanocytes

Flushing/Blushing

occurs with the vessels of skin dilate and bring a surge of blood flow

Cyanosis

Skin takes on a blueish tint when the body is oxygen deprived. Most easily noticed around lips and finger tips

Jaundice

A toxic buildup of unconjugated bile slats from the liver will cause skin and eye scleras to take a yellowish tint. Eyes and anterior wrists are early indicators, common in newborns.

Palor

Cold, extreme fright, anemia, and other situations where there is lower blood or less oxygenation of the skin resulting in pale tone.

Addison’s disease

Adrenal insufficiency leads to “bronzing” hyperpigmentation. (odd, unusual color)