Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Head lice, itch mites, ringworm, and nail fungus are all caused by what?

1. Viruses

2. Bacteria

3. Fungi

4. External Parasites

The correct answer is: External Parasites

Head lice, itch mites, ringworm, and nail fungus are all associated with living organisms that can invade or inhabit the human body. In this case, the correct classification is that they are caused by external parasites. External parasites, such as head lice and itch mites, are organisms that live on or within a host, drawing sustenance from it while often causing discomfort or health issues. Head lice are tiny insects that primarily affect the scalp, laying eggs on the hair. Itch mites, which refer to scabies mites, burrow into the skin, leading to intense itching and irritation. While ringworm and nail fungus are commonly understood as fungal infections, they can be misleading in terms of classification. Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi, yet the question's context leans toward the manifestation of these issues as an infestation by organisms (including both parasites and fungi affecting the skin and nails). The other options present alternative classifications that do not accurately encapsulate these conditions. Viruses are agents that cause diseases like the flu or cold but do not lead to infestations of this nature. Bacteria, while responsible for various infections, do not apply here, as the mentioned conditions are associated with external infestations rather than bacterial infections