Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

What type of skin lesion is characterized by thickened stratum corneum and is often dry and whitish?

1. Scale

2. Crust

3. Ulcer

4. Erosion

The correct answer is: Scale

The type of skin lesion characterized by a thickened stratum corneum, often appearing dry and whitish, is referred to as a scale. Scales form when the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells is disrupted, leading to an accumulation of these cells on the surface. This buildup results in a flaky or scaly appearance that can be dry, whitish, or sometimes even yellowish. Commonly seen in conditions like psoriasis or eczema, scales are a clear indication of the skin's attempt to protect itself and remodel the outer layer. In contrast, crusts are formed from the dried exudate of fluids, which can be dark or yellowish and are typically seen in conditions like infections or after injury. Ulcers are deeper losses of skin integrity, resulting from factors like pressure, infection, or poor circulation, and involve loss of the epidermis as well as underlying tissues. Erosions refer to shallow losses of skin where the epidermis is lost, but the underlying structures remain intact, often appearing moist rather than dry. Understanding these differences helps in accurately identifying various skin conditions and their appropriate management.