Skin Color
is affected by 3 different factors: Melanin, Carotene & Hemoglobin
Melanin
Melanin is produced by melanocytes. Its color can vary from yellow, to reddish-brown, to black. Melanin is found in the stratum basale of the epidermis. The amount of melanin produced depends on genetics and can be affected by exposure to sunlight.
Carotene
Carotene is yellowish-orange. It comes from some vegetables, and typically results from over-consumption of these vegetables. It is the least common skin pigment. It is almost exclusively in pathological or abnormal skin color.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin (Hb) is the molecule which transports oxygen through out bodies.
Oxygenated blood has a reddish color and gives the skin a pink or red tint. Deoxygenated blood has a purplish color and gives skin a bluish tent.
Oxygenated blood has a reddish color and gives the skin a pink or red tint. Deoxygenated blood has a purplish color and gives skin a bluish tent.
Changes in Skin Color
Redness - can be due to embarrassment, inflammation, hypertension, fever or allergy
Pallor (white) - due to emotional stress, fear, anemia, hypotension, or impaired blood flow to an area
Jaundice (yellow) - liver disorder
Bruising ("Black & Blue") - hematomas
Pallor (white) - due to emotional stress, fear, anemia, hypotension, or impaired blood flow to an area
Jaundice (yellow) - liver disorder
Bruising ("Black & Blue") - hematomas