Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by thickened and tightened skin?

1. Atopic dermatitis

2. Pityriasis rosea

3. Scleroderma

4. Psoriasis

The correct answer is: Scleroderma

The condition characterized by thickened and tightened skin is scleroderma. This autoimmune disorder causes the skin and connective tissues to progressively harden and tighten. Scleroderma can affect not only the skin but also internal organs, leading to a range of symptoms based on the areas affected. The thickening of the skin occurs due to an overproduction of collagen, which results in stiffness and a shiny appearance. In contrast, atopic dermatitis is primarily associated with itchy, inflamed skin but does not typically lead to the same level of thickening or tightening observed in scleroderma. Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that presents with a specific rash and is not related to skin thickening. Psoriasis does involve scaling and thickened red patches of skin, but this thickness is generally associated with plaques and inflammation rather than the tightness characteristic of scleroderma. Thus, scleroderma is the appropriate condition that uniquely fits the description of thickened and tightened skin.