Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What type of infection could dyschromia potentially signify?

1. Viral infection

2. Fungal infection

3. Bacterial infection

4. Parasitic infection

The correct answer is: Bacterial infection

Dyschromia refers to abnormal pigmentation of the skin, which can present as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. It can be indicative of a variety of health issues, but in the context of infections, it is most commonly associated with bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can lead to inflammatory responses in the skin, which can disrupt normal pigmentation processes. For instance, conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often arise after a bacterial infection has resolved, causing lingering dark spots or patches. Therefore, the relationship between bacterial infections and dyschromia is well recognized in dermatology, as the healing process from a bacterial-related condition may affect skin pigmentation. Viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can also have their own effects on skin appearance, but they are less frequently linked to the specific manifestation of dyschromia compared to bacterial infections. Each type of infection causes unique reactions in the skin, but in terms of direct association with dyschromia, bacterial infections play a more significant role.