Normal Color Variations in Children of Color

Pigmentation is present in the skin, hair, nails, and mucosal surfaces in all individuals; however, variation exists in the pigmentary distribution and the prominence in pigmentation by location. Such variations are more notable in children of color due to the prominence in pigmentation. This chapter reviews the subtle differences in pigmentation noted in children of color most of which occur in the first 2 years of life. These differences in color may be based on the pattern of pigmentary and embryological development or due to environmental factors such as trauma.