Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

Which kind of skin lesion would most likely be identified by its raised and hardened tissue structure?

1. Crust

2. Keloid

3. Scale

4. Fissure

The correct answer is: Keloid

A keloid is a type of skin lesion characterized by a raised and hardened tissue structure. It results from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process following an injury. Keloids can extend beyond the original boundaries of the wound and often have a firm texture. They are typically larger than the initial injury site and can vary in color. Understanding the formation of keloids is crucial in esthetics as they can impact the appearance of the skin and influence treatment options. In contrast, crusts refer to dried exudate formed from body fluids and are not typically raised or hardened tissue; they usually appear as scabs. Scales are thin flakes of dead skin that can form on the surface of the skin, but they lack the prominence and firmness associated with keloids. Lastly, fissures are deep, linear cracks or splits in the skin, usually not raised, and they do not exhibit the hardened nature found in keloids. Each of these other lesion types has distinct characteristics that distinguish them from keloids.