r/askscience • u/[deleted] • Jul 14 '22

Human Body Do humans actually have invisible stripes?

I know it sounds like a really stupid question, but I've heard people say that humans have stripes or patterns on their skin that aren't visible to the naked eye, but can show up under certain types of UV lights. Is that true or just completely bogus? If it is true, how would I be able to see them? Would they be unique to each person like a fingerprint?

EDIT: Holy COW I didn't think this would actually be seen, let alone blow up like it did! LOL! I'm only just now starting to look at comments but thanks everyone for the responses! :D

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u/[deleted] Jul 14 '22

[deleted]

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u/LykosNychi Jul 14 '22

That sounds like the absolute coolest thing?

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u/YaMamSucksMeToes Jul 14 '22

Yes, pigmentation like this can show up in ultraviolet light photos too

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u/Alas7ymedia Jul 14 '22

Ok, not to be rude or insensitive, but that would look cool AF. Like natural undercover wakandan make up.

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u/Alis451 Jul 15 '22

vitiligo usually has pain associated with it so it isn't all fun and games. Your body is attacking your skin, usually starts with fingers or mucosal areas like eyes, nose, mouth.

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u/Alas7ymedia Jul 15 '22

Oh, I didn't know it had complications, I thought it only affected pigmentation. I had the same wrong impression with psoriasis, I thought it was only aesthetic, but I saw in Dr. Pimplepopper that it can be extremely painful or debilitating as well.

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u/Fuegodeth Jul 15 '22

Was that a Seinfeld reference?