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Pigment-producing cells

Melanocytes in healthy skin and vitiligo

Melanocytes sit mainly in the basal epidermis and hair follicles. They make melanin and transfer it to surrounding keratinocytes.

In breve

Punti essenziali

  • Located in epidermis
  • Produce melanin
  • Transfer pigment
  • Follicles can provide reserves
01

A specialised cell network

Each melanocyte supplies pigment to many neighbouring cells. Differences in skin colour relate mainly to pigment production and distribution rather than large differences in cell number.

02

Loss in vitiligo

Immune and cellular stress processes reduce functioning melanocytes in affected skin. Remaining follicular cells may support treatment-related repigmentation.

Base editoriale

Editorial basis: current AWMF S2k guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo, register 013-093, version 2.0 dated 27 July 2026. Reviewed on 2 September 2026.

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