Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What type of skin lesion may be infectious and require medical attention?

1. Ulcer

2. Keloid

3. Scar

4. Dermatitis

The correct answer is: Ulcer

An ulcer is a type of skin lesion that can involve the loss of skin and underlying tissues, which may become susceptible to infection. This vulnerability is due to the compromised integrity of the skin barrier. If the ulcer is infected or shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, it necessitates medical evaluation and treatment. In contrast, keloids are raised scars that form due to an overproduction of collagen during the healing process and are usually not infectious. They primarily pose cosmetic concerns rather than health risks. Scars, like keloids, are a result of the healing of wounds and do not typically require medical treatment unless there are complications like discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin which can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergens or irritants, but is not inherently infectious in nature. While dermatitis may require medical attention, it is not a lesion that typically poses a risk of infection in the same way that an ulcer does.