Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What skin condition is characterized by excessive itchiness and skin burrowing?

1. Eczema

2. Psoriasis

3. Scabies

4. Chickenpox

The correct answer is: Scabies

The condition characterized by excessive itchiness and skin burrowing is scabies. Scabies is caused by an infestation of the skin by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin to lay eggs. This infestation leads to intense itching, particularly at night, and the formation of a rash due to an allergic reaction to the mites, their waste, and their eggs. The burrowing activity of the mites is a distinctive feature of scabies, often leading to the appearance of tiny red or grayish tracks in the skin where the mites have penetrated. In contrast, eczema is typically associated with dry, inflamed skin and is characterized by itching and redness, but it does not involve burrowing under the skin. Psoriasis results in thick, scaly patches on the skin and can cause itchiness, but lacks the specific burrowing behavior associated with scabies. Chickenpox causes an itchy rash ranging from small red spots to blisters, but again does not feature skin burrowing as a characteristic symptom. Understanding these characteristics helps in identifying scabies and differentiating it from other skin conditions.