Pigmentation Exam

20 Questions

Which of the following is true about melanocytes and melanin production?

Melanocytes produce melanin to combat UV damage to the skin.

What is the most appropriate treatment for freckles?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

What is the main cause of solar lentigines?

Repeated sun and sun bed exposure

What is the main cause of poikiloderma?

Repeated sun and sun bed exposure

What can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation?

UV exposure during the first days of healing

What can cause loss of pigment in the skin?

UV exposure or skin trauma

Which cells in the human skin are responsible for manufacturing the brown pigment melanin?

Melanocytes

What is the function of melanin in the skin?

To protect the skin from UV radiation

What can stimulate melanocytes to produce melanin, apart from UV radiation?

Exposure to chemicals

What is the primary enzyme responsible for controlling melanin production in human melanocytes?

Tyrosinase

What determines the type of melanin made in the body?

Genetics

What are the organelles in which melanin is packaged within melanocytes called?

Melanosomes

Which of the following is NOT a cause of pigmentation problems in the skin?

Vit B12, C & A deficiency

What is the main trigger for Chloasma/Melasma?

Oestrogen

Which skin areas are commonly affected by Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH)?

Face and hands

What is the main purpose of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for pigmentation?

To absorb melanin in the skin

Which filter is typically better for treating deep pigment lesions?

560

What is the recommended time period for healing after IPL treatment?

3-4 weeks

What is the first step before undergoing IPL treatment for pigmentation?

Have a skin check by a doctor

What should therapists avoid when treating pigmented areas?

Treating areas that have not been checked

Study Notes

Understanding Pigmentation and its Causes

Human skin contains melanocytes, which produce the brown pigment melanin in response to sunlight.
Melanin acts as a sunscreen to protect the skin from UV radiation and potential skin cancer.
Other factors, such as hormones and inflammation, can also stimulate melanocytes to produce melanin.
Melanin production is controlled by the enzyme tyrosinase, which determines the type of melanin produced (red/yellow or brown/black).
Melanin is packaged into melanosomes and transferred from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes in the skin.
Melanin deposition near the skin's surface gives the skin its brownish tint.
Age spots occur when the sun damages melanocytes, resulting in abnormal melanin production.
Fair-skinned individuals are more prone to age spots and sun damage.
Chloasma and melasma are types of hormonal pigmentation that occur during pregnancy or due to medication.
Solar lentigines are caused by repeated sun exposure and can be improved with various treatments.
Freckles are common in fair-skinned individuals and can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
Post-inflammatory pigmentation occurs as a result of trauma, infection, or skin irritations, and can be worsened by UV exposure.

Test your knowledge on pigmentation and the role of melanocytes in human skin. Learn about melanin production and its importance in protecting the skin from sunlight damage.

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