Which term refers to overproduction of pigment appearing as dark spots?

• A. Hypopigmentation
• B. PIE
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Pitting

Answer: (C)

Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of pigment that shows up as darker patches or spots on the skin. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocytes, and when production or transfer of melanin increases—often due to sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal influences, or skin injury—those areas become visibly darker. This contrasts with hypopigmentation, which would cause lighter patches from reduced pigment; PIE (post-inflammatory erythema) refers to red, inflamed spots rather than dark ones; and pitting describes indentations or scar-like depressions rather than pigment changes. So the term that best matches “overproduction of pigment appearing as dark spots” is hyperpigmentation.