What is the Role of Melanin in Health and Disease?
Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from UV radiation, reducing the risk of DNA damage and skin cancer. However, abnormal melanin production can lead to several conditions. For example, albinism is a genetic disorder characterized by a lack of melanin production, resulting in very light skin, hair, and eyes. Conversely, hyperpigmentation disorders, such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, involve excessive melanin production in localized areas of the skin.
