Arkansas Esthetician Practice Exam

What is Erythema?

1. Irregular dark patches after inflammation

2. Increased facial pigmentation in pregnancy

3. Redness of the skin from capillaries

4. Lack of perspiration from gland failure

The correct answer is: Redness of the skin from capillaries

Erythema is characterized by redness of the skin that results from the dilation of capillaries, which increases blood flow to the affected area. This condition can occur due to a variety of causes, including inflammation, allergic reactions, sunburn, and other skin irritations. The redness is often a visible sign of underlying vascular changes and is typically localized, signaling that the body's immune response is active in a specific area. The other choices refer to different skin conditions: dark patches after inflammation describe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, increased facial pigmentation in pregnancy relates to the condition known as melasma or chloasma, and lack of perspiration from gland failure describes a condition called anhidrosis. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for estheticians, as it helps in identifying and treating various skin issues effectively.