Role of Dermal Melanocytes in Cutaneous Pigmentation of Stasis Dermatitis

The study investigated the role of dermal melanocytes in the pigmentation associated with stasis dermatitis, a condition linked to venous hypertension in the lower extremities, often affecting middle-aged to elderly females. Patients with this condition frequently exhibited brown pigmentation and hair loss on their lower legs. While hemosiderin and melanin were considered potential causes of this pigmentation, the exact pathogenesis was unclear. The study involved skin biopsy samples from 20 patients and employed special staining techniques to identify the pigments or cells responsible for the discoloration. Despite the known role of melanin in determining skin color, the study aimed to clarify the involvement of melanin or melanocytes in stasis dermatitis pigmentation.