Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to review key concepts. Succeed in your exam!

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What is the term for a closed comedo?

  1. Whitehead

  2. Blackhead

  3. Pustule

  4. Papule

The correct answer is: Whitehead

A closed comedo is commonly referred to as a whitehead. This term describes a type of acne lesion that occurs when a hair follicle gets clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to a small, pus-filled bump that is covered by skin. Unlike open comedones, which are characterized by their dark appearance (blackheads), whiteheads remain closed at the surface and thus do not oxidize, keeping their white or flesh-colored appearance. Recognizing this distinction is important for effective skincare and treatment options in esthetics, as it informs the approach taken for extraction or other methods of care.