The color of skin: black diseases of the skin, nails, and mucosa

Clin Dermatol. 2019 Sep-Oct;37(5):447-467. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Aug 17.

Abstract

Gradations in skin color are a consequence of differing amounts of melanin and their varying distribution. Although many darkly pigmented skin lesions are melanocytic and can be attributed to melanin content, the color of a black lesion can also be due to blood, necrotic tissue, or exogenous pigment. The source, pattern, and distribution of the color in black lesions usually offer important insight into its etiology. This contribution reviews conditions that can take on a black color, discussing the cause of the hue and any additional impact sun exposure may have.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acanthosis Nigricans / diagnosis
  • Acanthosis Nigricans / etiology
  • Acanthosis Nigricans / therapy
  • Calciphylaxis / diagnosis
  • Calciphylaxis / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Dermatomycoses / complications
  • Dermatomycoses / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / diagnosis*
  • Hyperpigmentation / etiology*
  • Hyperpigmentation / therapy
  • Keratosis, Seborrheic / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / etiology
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Mucormycosis / complications
  • Mucormycosis / diagnosis
  • Mucormycosis / therapy
  • Mucous Membrane
  • Nail Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Blue / diagnosis*
  • Nevus, Blue / surgery
  • Nevus, Spindle Cell / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Spindle Cell / pathology
  • Ochronosis / diagnosis
  • Ochronosis / etiology
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / complications
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / diagnosis
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tattooing

Supplementary concepts

  • Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra