Types of Melanin: Eumelanin and Pheomelanin
Eumelanin and Pheomelanin are specific types of ‘Melanin’ – the pigment which gives skin, hair and eyes their colour. Each has different properties and functions.
Eumelanin
Eumelanin is the most common type of melanin.
It is Eumelanin which provides the black and brown pigment to the hair, skin and eyes.
Eumelanin is particularly abundant among black populations, but a blonde and fair skinned person will have only small amounts is present only small amounts. People who are albino are likely to have no Eumelanin.
Eumelanin does provides some protection against UVA/UVB damage from the sun, although this ‘natural protection’ should never be seen as an alternative to sunscreen and avoiding the worst of the sun’s threat.
Pheomelanin
Pheomelanin is also found in the hair and skin. This type of melanin provides pink and red colors. Pheomelanin is particularly concentrated in areas such as lips and nipples, which have pinker skin. It is the main pigment found among red-haired individuals and as it is also in the skin, explains why redheads often have a pinkish hue to their skin.
This type of melanin is not as protective against UV- radiation induced cancer as eumelanin.
Suspicious Pigmentation
An odd-looking area of pigmentation may be an indication of melanoma, so it is important see a doctor if you have any worries about a particular skin blemish. If there is any concern, you will be referred quickly for further investigation and then treatment if required.
Fortunately most will turn out to be ‘cosmetic’, which means there is no medical concern. These blemishes are unlikely to be removed on the NHS, but can be removed safely and quickly through Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinics in London and Bristol.
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons. Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
Treatment using freezing, laser or surgical techniques is available at Skin Surgery Laser Clinic who have a selection of locations conveniently based in London and Bristol. All procedures are carried out by highly trained and experienced doctors and surgeons.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
