Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by persistent dry skin and a reduced amount of sebum?

1. Asteatosis

2. Dermatitis

3. Psoriasis

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Asteatosis

Asteatosis is characterized by persistent dry skin and a reduced amount of sebum, which is a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands. This condition occurs when the skin does not produce enough oil to maintain moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and often a tight sensation in the skin. Asteatosis can be exacerbated by environmental factors like low humidity, temperature changes, or prolonged exposure to certain soaps and detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils. In contrast, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin that can present with dryness, redness, and irritation but is not solely linked to a lack of sebum. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to rapid skin cell turnover and results in thick, red, scaly patches, which is distinctly different from the dryness seen in asteatosis. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is another inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry skin but is typically associated with a range of other symptoms such as itching, redness, and sometimes weeping lesions, rather than a direct reduction in sebum production.