Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What role do histamines play in allergic reactions?

1. They build collagen

2. They cause inflammation

3. They bind antibodies

4. They reduce swelling

The correct answer is: They cause inflammation

Histamines play a crucial role in the body's immune response, particularly during allergic reactions. When the body encounters an allergen, histamines are released from mast cells and basophils as part of the immune response. This release is a key component of the inflammatory response and contributes to the symptoms typically associated with allergies, such as redness, swelling, and itching. Histamines achieve this by binding to specific receptors in blood vessels, causing them to dilate and become more permeable. This increased permeability allows fluids and white blood cells to access the affected tissues more easily, leading to the classic signs of inflammation, such as swelling and redness. Understanding the role of histamines in this context is vital for estheticians, as they may encounter clients with allergies and related skin conditions, and this knowledge can guide them in their treatment approaches. The other options, while related to immune responses, do not accurately capture the specific function of histamines in allergic reactions. For example, while histamines contribute to inflammation, they do not build collagen, bind antibodies, or reduce swelling directly. Instead, they are primarily responsible for mediating the effects of inflammation during an allergic response.