Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What treatment method causes decomposition of the dermal papilla?

1. Microneedling

2. Electrolysis

3. Chemical peeling

4. Laser therapy

The correct answer is: Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a hair removal method that uses electrical current to destroy the hair follicle, which includes the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is a structure at the base of the hair follicle containing blood vessels and is essential for hair growth. By delivering an electrical current through a fine needle inserted into the hair follicle, electrolysis can effectively decompose and disrupt the dermal papilla, preventing future hair growth. In contrast, microneedling involves creating tiny injuries in the skin using fine needles, which stimulates healing and collagen production but does not target the dermal papilla directly. Chemical peeling works on the outer layers of the skin to slough off dead skin cells and promote new skin growth, but it does not specifically decompose the dermal papilla. Laser therapy utilizes focused light to target hair follicles but typically does not involve decomposition of the dermal papilla the same way electrolysis does.