Skin Analysis and Conditions
What the exam tests
Skin analysis questions combine Fitzpatrick typing, skin type and condition recognition, lesion identification, and scope-of-practice judgment. The exam rewards careful observation and referral, not diagnosis.
Core framework
- Fitzpatrick I–VI predicts sun response and risk; it guides SPF and treatment intensity.
- Skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Conditions are separate: acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrhea, milia, comedones, hyperpigmentation such as melasma, lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, telangiectasia, keratosis pilaris, and seborrheic keratosis.
- Primary lesions include macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, bulla, nodule, cyst, and wheal. Secondary lesions include scale, crust, excoriation, fissure, scar, and atrophy.
- Wood's lamp: blue-white normal, yellow oily, violet or purple dehydration, brown pigmentation, coral-red inflammation or acne. Use in a dark room and protect eyes.
- Red flags for referral: asymmetry, irregular border, multiple colors, diameter over 6 mm, evolving (ABCDE); bleeding, nonhealing ulcer, or sudden change.
Worked example
A client has shiny skin, visible pores, and fine white flakes on the cheeks. Reasoning: oiliness plus flaking often means a dehydrated surface rather than dry skin alone; harsh scrubs can worsen it. Plan gentle cleansing, a humectant, and a light occlusive; avoid strong acids and aggressive extractions.
Traps
- Calling every red face rosacea or acne without referral.
- Treating a pigmented lesion with exfoliation.
- Confusing dehydrated, a condition, with dry, a skin type.
- Over-exfoliating sensitive skin because the client wants deep cleaning.