Milady Esthetics Chapter 4 - Disorders and Diseases of the Skin Exam Questions & Verified Answers
Dermatology is the branch of medical science that studies and treats the skin and its disorders
and diseases
Dermatologist is a physician who treats these disorders and diseases
Dermatologists and physicians are qualified to treat skin problems, but estheticians may not diagnose or treat
disorders and diseases of the skin beyond their scope of practice, however,
estheticians can help clients with many common disorders and conditions such as
rosacea, minor acne, and sensitive skin
Lesions are structural changes in the tissues causes by damage or injury
Primary lesions are lesions in the early stages of development or change
Bulla A large blister containing watery fluid. It is similar to a vesicle, but larger
Cyst A closed, abnormally developed sac containing fluid, infection, or other matter
above or below the skin. An acne cyst is one type of cyst
Macule A flat spot or discoloration on the skin, such as a freckle or a red spot, left after a
pimple has healed. They are neither raised nor sunken
Nodules these are often referred to as tumors, but they are smaller bumps caused by
conditions such as scar tissue, fatty deposits, or infection
Papule A small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid, but may develop into a pustule.
It is less than half an inch (1.25 cm) in diameter and may have varied appearance in
color and are either rounded, smooth, or rough
Pustule An inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus, a fluid consisting of
white blood cells, bacteria and other debris; a small pus-containing blister that may
or may not be caused by an infection. Acne pustule in hair follicles are not infectious
Tubercle An abnormal rounded, solid lump, larger than a papule
Tumor a large nodule, an abnormal cell mass resulting from excessive cell multiplication,
varying in size, shape, and color
Vesicle A small blister or sac containing clear fluid. Poison ivy and poison oak produce
vesicles
Wheal An itchy, swollen lesion caused by a blow, insect bite, skin allergy reaction, or
stings. Hives and mosquito bites are wheals. Hives are called urticaria and can also
be caused by exposure to allergens used in products
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Milady Esthetics Chapter 4 - Disorders and Diseases of the Skin Exam Questions & Verified Answers
Secondary lesions of the skin develop in the layer stages of disease and change the structure of
tissues and organs
Crust Dead cells formed over a wound or blemish while it is healing, resulting in an
accumulation of sebum and pus, sometimes mixed with epidermal material. An
example is the scab on a sore
Excoriation A skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping
Fissure A crack in the skin that may penetrate into the dermis. Chapped lips or hands are
examples
Keloid A thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue (collagen). Usually
found in those that are genetically predisposed to them and may occur following an
injury or surgery
Scale Excessive shedding of dead skin cells; flaky skin cells; any thin plate of epidermal
flakes, dry or oily. Example is abnormal or excessive dandruff or psoriasis
Scar discolored, slightly raised mark on the skin formed after an injury or lesion of the
skin has healed. The tissue hardens to heal the injury. Thick elevated scars are
hypertrophic
Ulcer an open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane of the body, accompanied by pus
and loss of skin depth; a deep erosion or depression in the skin, normally due to
infection or cancer. Requires medical referral
Acne A chronic inflammatory skin disorder of the sebaceous glands characterized by
comedones and blemishes.
Comedo A non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris inside follicles.
Furuncle also known as a boil. A subcutaneous abscess filled with pus. Furuncles are caused
by bacteria in glands or hair follicles
Carbuncles groups of boils
Milia these epidermal cysts are small, firm white papules. Milia are whitish, pearl-like
masses of sebum and dead cells under the skin with no visible opening often
mistakenly called whiteheads ( whiteheads look similar but are soft)
Seborrhea severe oiliness of the skin; an abnormal secretion from the sebaceous glands
Steatoma A sebaceous cyst or subcutaneous tumor filled with sebum and ranging in size from
a pea to an orange. It usually appears on the scalp, neck and back; also called a
wen
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
Dermatology is the branch of medical science that studies and treats the skin and its disorders
and diseases
Dermatologist is a physician who treats these disorders and diseases
Dermatologists and physicians are qualified to treat skin problems, but estheticians may not diagnose or treat
disorders and diseases of the skin beyond their scope of practice, however,
estheticians can help clients with many common disorders and conditions such as
rosacea, minor acne, and sensitive skin
Lesions are structural changes in the tissues causes by damage or injury
Primary lesions are lesions in the early stages of development or change
Bulla A large blister containing watery fluid. It is similar to a vesicle, but larger
Cyst A closed, abnormally developed sac containing fluid, infection, or other matter
above or below the skin. An acne cyst is one type of cyst
Macule A flat spot or discoloration on the skin, such as a freckle or a red spot, left after a
pimple has healed. They are neither raised nor sunken
Nodules these are often referred to as tumors, but they are smaller bumps caused by
conditions such as scar tissue, fatty deposits, or infection
Papule A small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid, but may develop into a pustule.
It is less than half an inch (1.25 cm) in diameter and may have varied appearance in
color and are either rounded, smooth, or rough
Pustule An inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus, a fluid consisting of
white blood cells, bacteria and other debris; a small pus-containing blister that may
or may not be caused by an infection. Acne pustule in hair follicles are not infectious
Tubercle An abnormal rounded, solid lump, larger than a papule
Tumor a large nodule, an abnormal cell mass resulting from excessive cell multiplication,
varying in size, shape, and color
Vesicle A small blister or sac containing clear fluid. Poison ivy and poison oak produce
vesicles
Wheal An itchy, swollen lesion caused by a blow, insect bite, skin allergy reaction, or
stings. Hives and mosquito bites are wheals. Hives are called urticaria and can also
be caused by exposure to allergens used in products
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Milady Esthetics Chapter 4 - Disorders and Diseases of the Skin Exam Questions & Verified Answers
Secondary lesions of the skin develop in the layer stages of disease and change the structure of
tissues and organs
Crust Dead cells formed over a wound or blemish while it is healing, resulting in an
accumulation of sebum and pus, sometimes mixed with epidermal material. An
example is the scab on a sore
Excoriation A skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping
Fissure A crack in the skin that may penetrate into the dermis. Chapped lips or hands are
examples
Keloid A thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue (collagen). Usually
found in those that are genetically predisposed to them and may occur following an
injury or surgery
Scale Excessive shedding of dead skin cells; flaky skin cells; any thin plate of epidermal
flakes, dry or oily. Example is abnormal or excessive dandruff or psoriasis
Scar discolored, slightly raised mark on the skin formed after an injury or lesion of the
skin has healed. The tissue hardens to heal the injury. Thick elevated scars are
hypertrophic
Ulcer an open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane of the body, accompanied by pus
and loss of skin depth; a deep erosion or depression in the skin, normally due to
infection or cancer. Requires medical referral
Acne A chronic inflammatory skin disorder of the sebaceous glands characterized by
comedones and blemishes.
Comedo A non-inflamed buildup of cells, sebum, and other debris inside follicles.
Furuncle also known as a boil. A subcutaneous abscess filled with pus. Furuncles are caused
by bacteria in glands or hair follicles
Carbuncles groups of boils
Milia these epidermal cysts are small, firm white papules. Milia are whitish, pearl-like
masses of sebum and dead cells under the skin with no visible opening often
mistakenly called whiteheads ( whiteheads look similar but are soft)
Seborrhea severe oiliness of the skin; an abnormal secretion from the sebaceous glands
Steatoma A sebaceous cyst or subcutaneous tumor filled with sebum and ranging in size from
a pea to an orange. It usually appears on the scalp, neck and back; also called a
wen
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
