What is another name for liver spots or age spots?

Another name for liver spots or age spots is indeed "hyperpigmentation." These spots, which commonly appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin such as the hands and face, are a result of an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While age spots are sometimes associated with aging, they can also be induced by sun exposure, which stimulates melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin).

Hyperpigmentation encompasses a variety of skin conditions characterized by darker areas on the skin, and age spots are one specific type of hyperpigmentation. This term helps to classify various skin discolorations based on their underlying mechanism rather than specific appearance or location.

The other terms in the choices refer to different skin conditions or types of pigmentation issues. Melasma, also sometimes called chloasma, is a different form of hyperpigmentation that usually appears as brown or gray-brown patches primarily on the face, often related to hormonal changes. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin and does not relate to pigmentation changes. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why hyperpigmentation is the appropriate term to describe liver or age spots.