ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The color of skin is an important attribute that has often changed the course of history and, unfortunately, still “colors” the way we interact in human society. This review covers various aspects of cutaneous melanin pigmentation in man. It also highlights lacunae in current knowledge and brings into focus questions that are not answered by current opinion and known facts. Current controversies are also commented upon. This is a concise review of a vast body of literature, and readers are referred to more exhaustive treatises given at the end of the chapter.
