ABSTRACT
The assessment of a hyperpigmented lesion or disorder, the differential diagnosis, and consequently, the diagnosis compose a challenging procedure. Numerous laboratory tests or imaging techniques can be used to elucidate the diagnosis. Steps toward diagnosis in disorders of colour includes: demarcation, presence at birth, clinical morphology, dermoscopic features, and history. The main determinant of skin colour is melanin. The type, amount, and distribution of melanin throughout the skin play a significant role. The description of a coloured lesion is crucial for diagnostic, educational, investigative, and therapeutic purposes. Melanotic and melanocytic lesions comprise the family of hyperpigmented lesions. The lesions of hyperchromia, either circumscribed or diffuse, represent or are attributed to congenital or acquired conditions. Therefore, four basic groups are derived: congenital circumscribed, acquired circumscribed, congenital diffuse and acquired diffuse disorders. Some of them become apparent very early in life. In such cases, the history may be inaccurate due to blurred memories and emotional distress of parents.
