Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Skin thinning can be a symptom of which condition?

1. Hypopigmentation

2. Alopecia

3. Cushing's disease

4. Dermatitis

The correct answer is: Cushing's disease

Skin thinning, also known as epidermal atrophy, can indeed be a symptom of Cushing's disease. This condition is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, which can lead to a variety of changes in the skin. Specifically, increased levels of cortisol contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. As a result, individuals with Cushing's disease may experience thinning of the skin, making it more fragile and susceptible to bruising and other types of injury. In contrast, hypopigmentation typically refers to a reduction in skin color and is not directly associated with skin thinning. Alopecia primarily affects hair follicles, resulting in hair loss, and does not inherently cause changes to the skin's thickness. Dermatitis encompasses a range of skin inflammation conditions, which may involve symptoms like redness or itching but does not specifically lead to the thinning of the skin associated with elevated cortisol levels. This context underscores why Cushing's disease is the correct answer for this question regarding skin thinning.