Light patches on the skin are usually referred to as...

• A. Hyperpigmentation
• B. Hyperkeratosis
• C. Erythema
• D. Hypopigmentation

Answer: (D)

Light patches on the skin are called hypopigmentation because those areas have reduced pigment or a loss of melanin compared to surrounding skin. This contrasts with hyperpigmentation, where patches are darker due to excess melanin. Hyperkeratosis refers to thickening of the outer skin layer, not a color change, and erythema is redness from increased blood flow or inflammation. In practice, recognizing hypopigmented areas is important for color matching and pigment uptake during procedures, since these patches may respond differently to pigment application.