Understanding skin pigmentation
An individual’s skin colour is determined by the amount and type of pigmentation (Melanin) in the skin. Individuals with darkly pigmented skin have more melanin in their skin than individuals with lightly pigmented skin.
Key Principles of Assessing Darkly Pigmented Skin
- Darkly pigmented skin does not blanch
- Depending on skin tone, the skin may appear blue or purple compared to the surrounding area of skin. It is important to compare the section of the body you are concerned about with other areas of skin to look for differences in skin tone.
- Assess skin in a good light in order to see slight variances in colour
- Touch the skin and ask yourself if the skin feels spongy, taut, warm or cool?
- Observe if the skin has changed since the last time it was inspected.
- Listen to the individual as they may complain of or indicate that they have pain or discomfort