Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which condition can be worsened by spicy foods and stress?

1. Acne

2. Psoriasis

3. Rosacea

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Rosacea

The condition that can be worsened by spicy foods and stress is rosacea. This chronic skin condition is characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like breakouts. Factors such as spicy foods can trigger flushing and exacerbate symptoms in individuals who have rosacea. Similarly, stress is a known trigger that can lead to flare-ups, as it may cause an increase in inflammation or affect blood circulation to the skin, ultimately worsening the condition. In contrast, while acne, psoriasis, and eczema can also be affected by various environmental and lifestyle factors, they do not have the same strong correlation with spicy foods and stress as rosacea does. Acne may be influenced by hormonal changes and bacteria, psoriasis is an auto-immune condition, and eczema is primarily related to skin barrier dysfunction and allergic reactions. Thus, the unique interaction between rosacea and specific dietary and emotional triggers makes it the most appropriate answer.