Number of epidermal melanocytes, hair follicles, and sweat ducts in skin of Solomon Islanders.

The number of epidermal appendages and melanocytes in forearm skin of three groups of Solomon Islanders has been determined. There were no significant differences in the number of hair follicles or sweat ducts among Solomon Islander groups, nor between them and a Caucasian group used for comparison. The Nasioi and Kwaio, however, do have a significantly higher melanocyte population than Caucasian groups. This difference may in part be due to the exposure of the Solomon Islander skin used in this study to chronic solar radiation.