Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by blotchy, dark spots on the skin?

1. Hyperpigmentation

2. Dermatitis

3. Hypopigmentation

4. Vitiligo

The correct answer is: Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is characterized by blotchy, dark spots on the skin due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This condition can occur as a result of several factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, certain medications, and inflammation. In hyperpigmentation, these dark spots may appear in localized areas, making them prominent against the surrounding skin. In contrast, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, which is typically associated with redness, swelling, and sometimes scaling or itching, rather than dark blotches. Hypopigmentation is the reduction of melanin, leading to lighter areas on the skin. Similarly, vitiligo is a condition that causes patchy loss of skin color due to the destruction of melanocytes, resulting in white spots rather than dark ones. Therefore, the defining characteristic of hyperpigmentation distinctly aligns with the question's description of blotchy dark spots.