What term is best described as a discoloration from melanin production due to sun or other factors?

• A. Hyperpigmentation
• B. Hyperplasia
• C. Hypopigmentation
• D. Melanoma

Answer: (A)

Hyperpigmentation is the discoloration caused by increased melanin production. Melanin is the pigment your skin makes to protect itself from UV light. When production ramps up in certain areas, those patches become darker than surrounding skin. This can be triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, medications, or skin injury, leading to spots like sunspots, freckles, or post-inflammatory dark patches. It’s different from hyperplasia (increase in cell number), hypopigmentation (loss of pigment), or melanoma (a cancer of pigment-producing cells).