Skin Analysis and Conditions
What this domain tests
Skin analysis questions test observation, palpation, lesion recognition, Fitzpatrick typing, and contraindication screening. The exam wants you to separate cosmetic conditions you may treat from findings that require referral.
Core rules
- Analyze in good light: observe surface texture, pore size, oiliness, erythema, pigmentation, dehydration, and lesions; palpate gently for texture and elasticity.
- Skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Fitzpatrick I to VI estimates sun reactivity and guides peel and laser risk, not race.
- Primary lesions include macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, nodule, and wheal. Secondary lesions include scale, crust, fissure, erosion, ulcer, and scar.
- Contraindicate or refer active infection, open or weeping lesions, unexplained moles, recent surgery, sunburn, and clients on isotretinoin or with compromised healing.
- Do not diagnose. Describe what you see and refer suspicious, changing, painful, or bleeding lesions.
Worked example
A client has a honey-colored crust at the corner of the mouth. Reasoning: this suggests a contagious bacterial condition, not simple dryness. Do not exfoliate, extract, or massage the area; reschedule and refer for medical evaluation. Treating it as chapped lips could spread infection and delay care.
Traps
Calling every red bump acne; treating dehydrated skin as a dry skin type; ignoring a changing mole; over-exfoliating sensitive skin; promising to cure a medical condition.