Histological Features of Melasma Lesions and the Expression of Keratin 10

The study investigated histological changes in melasma-affected skin and keratin 10 (CK10) expression. It found that melasma skin had a thinner epidermis with increased melanin around basal layer cells, extending to the upper basal layer, upper hair follicle, and dermis. Dermal collagen was disordered and fractured, with fewer skin appendages compared to normal skin. CK10 was primarily found in the upper stratum of the basal epidermis and the outer layer of sebaceous glands. The study concluded that melasma skin showed increased melanin content and features of skin aging, with strong CK10 expression potentially linked to excessive epidermal cell differentiation and aging.