Tag: Skin pigment

Over one percent of the U.S. population is affected by vitiligo, a condition where skin loses its natural pigment. The question, "What is the disease that changes color?" can refer to this condition and several others, each with a unique cause, presentation, and treatment path, from autoimmune responses to vascular issues.

According to the Mayo Clinic, vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in patches due to melanocyte malfunction. Kim Kardashian recently disclosed that one of her sons has a mild form of this autoimmune disease, a condition she believes is connected to her own hereditary battle with psoriasis.

In 1939, scientists identified a previously unknown coloring matter in human skin, giving it the name "melanoid". So, what is melanoid, and what role does this lesser-known pigment play in both human biology and the foods we eat? The term actually describes different substances, which can cause some confusion.