Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What skin condition appears as pre-cancerous thick, scaly skin due to excessive sun exposure?

1. Psoriasis

2. Exema

3. Actinic keratosis

4. Melasma

The correct answer is: Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that manifests as thick, scaly patches of skin and is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. These lesions typically appear on areas of the skin that have been frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and backs of the hands. They are considered precursors to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, which is why they require monitoring and potentially treatment to prevent progression. In contrast, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by red, scaly patches but is not directly caused by sun exposure. Eczema involves inflammatory skin issues that can result in red, itchy patches but does not typically present as thick, scaly skin. Melasma is a pigmentation disorder that causes dark patches on the skin, often due to hormonal changes and sun exposure, but it does not involve thick, scaly lesions. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effectively diagnosing and treating various skin conditions in esthetics practice.