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Melanin - Overview

Alternative Names

Skin pigment

Information:

Melanin is a natural substance that gives color (pigment) to hair, skin, and the iris of the eye. It is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes.

Melanin also helps protect the skin from the sun.

  • Reviewed last on: 11/14/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Habif TP, ed. Principles of diagnosis and anatomy. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 1.

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