Etymed
hyperpigmentation
Definition
an excessive production or deposition of pigment in the skin, resulting in darker areas
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with dark patches on her face that have progressively worsened over the past year. She reports no pain or itching but mentions that the discoloration seems to be more prominent after sun exposure. Her dermatologist explains that this represents hyperpigmentation due to increased melanin production in response to inflammatory skin changes.
Mnemonic
HYPERpigmentation = HYPERactive melanin production