North Carolina Cosmetic Arts Practice Exam

What term describes skin that appears red and inflamed?

1. Dermatitis

2. Erythema

3. Hyperpigmentation

4. Keratosis

The correct answer is: Erythema

The term that describes skin that appears red and inflamed is "erythema." Erythema refers specifically to the reddening of the skin caused by an increase in blood flow to the capillaries, often in response to irritation, inflammation, or injury. This condition is commonly associated with various skin disorders as well as allergic reactions, sunburns, and other inflammatory conditions. In contrast, dermatitis refers to a broader category of skin inflammation that can involve redness, swelling, and irritation, but it encompasses a variety of specific conditions (like eczema or contact dermatitis) rather than just the reddening of the skin itself. Hyperpigmentation pertains to areas of skin that have become darker due to excessive melanin production, which does not correlate with redness or inflammation. Keratosis describes any condition that leads to the thickening of the outer layer of the skin, often resulting in rough, scaly patches, rather than red and inflamed skin.