Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Excoriation is a type of lesion caused by what?

1. Infection from bacteria

2. Burns from chemical treatments

3. Scratching or scraping of the skin

4. Allergic reactions to products

The correct answer is: Scratching or scraping of the skin

Excoriation refers to a type of skin lesion that is specifically caused by the mechanical action of scratching or scraping the skin. This can happen due to various underlying issues, such as itching from an irritation or skin condition, leading to the removal of skin layers and resulting in raw or inflamed areas. Understanding this definition is important for estheticians, as they need to differentiate between various skin lesions to provide appropriate care. The other options present different causes for skin conditions but are not related to the definition of excoriation. For instance, infections can lead to lesions, but they do so through the introduction of pathogens rather than through mechanical injury. Burns from chemical treatments are another distinct type of injury, typically characterized by damage from chemical agents rather than from physical action against the skin. Allergic reactions can manifest in various ways, such as rashes or irritations, but again they do not specifically involve the act of scratching or scraping that defines excoriation. Thus, the nature of excoriation as a mechanically induced lesion sets it apart from these other skin conditions.