What is defined as any abnormal color appearing on the human body?

Discoloration is defined as any abnormal color appearing on the human body. This term encompasses a wide range of changes in skin color that can be caused by various factors, including bruising, jaundice, or skin conditions. Discoloration may result from local or systemic issues, and it typically indicates some form of abnormality in skin pigmentation or underlying vascular changes.

Hyperpigmentation specifically refers to an increase in melanin production, leading to darker patches on the skin, which is a narrower definition than the general term discoloration. Staining, while it can refer to changes in skin color, typically implies some sort of mark or deposit, such as a result of temporary contact with certain substances, and is also a more specific condition. Coloration, on the other hand, is a broader term that generally describes the natural hues present on the skin and does not communicate the idea of abnormality or change. Thus, the usage of the term "discoloration" accurately captures the essence of any unusual color change on the human body.