What term describes black discoloration in the dermis that cannot be wiped off?

The term "tattooing" specifically refers to the phenomenon where black discoloration appears in the dermis and is impervious to being wiped off. This occurs due to the introduction of foreign particles, typically ink or pigments, into the skin during the process of tattooing. Once these pigments have been deposited into the dermis, they remain embedded there, resulting in a lasting change in color that cannot be easily removed or wiped away.

In contrast, blackening might imply a superficial staining or coloration that could possibly be cleaned off, while burning refers to skin damage typically caused by heat or chemicals, which may result in various types of discoloration but is not specifically irreversible in the manner that tattooing is. Scarring indicates a healing process following injury which may change the appearance of the skin but does not specifically relate to the introduction of pigment into the skin as tattooing does. Thus, the distinct characteristic of tattooing—being an intentional, permanent introduction of color into the dermis—is what makes it the correct answer to this question.