Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which skin condition is characterized by chronic itching and can lead to skin thickening?

1. Eczema

2. Psoriasis

3. Urticaria

4. Acne

The correct answer is: Eczema

The correct answer, which identifies eczema as the condition characterized by chronic itching and the potential for skin thickening, is well-founded in dermatological knowledge. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often presents with intense itching, redness, and a dry, flaky appearance. The scratching that often accompanies this itching can lead to a process called lichenification, wherein the skin becomes thickened and leathery over time due to repeated trauma and irritation. This condition is primarily associated with allergic tendencies and may flare up in response to environmental irritants or allergens, stress, and changes in climate. One of its hallmark features is the itch-scratch cycle, where the urge to scratch exacerbates the condition, ultimately causing more inflammation and further thickening of the skin. In contrast, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that typically presents with raised, red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, and while it can cause itching, it is primarily characterized by its distinct scaling rather than just itching and thickening. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an acute condition marked by raised, itchy welts and does not result in skin thickening over time. Acne, on the other hand, involves