Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What type of lesion would you identify as an inflamed, elevated area of the skin?

1. Macule

2. Patch

3. Papule

4. Plague

The correct answer is: Papule

A papule is identified as an inflamed, elevated area of the skin. This small, raised bump is typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter and can be red, inflamed, and tender. Papules can result from various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, or allergic reactions, and are a key feature in dermatology because they represent localized inflammation or irritation affecting the outer layers of the skin. In contrast, a macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin that does not have any raised texture. It represents a change in skin color without elevation. A patch is similar in that it is also flat but larger in size compared to a macule. A plaque, while also raised, is typically referred to as a larger lesion than a papule (greater than 1 centimeter) and often has a scaly texture, commonly seen in conditions like psoriasis. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurately identifying skin lesions and determining their underlying causes in skincare and esthetic practices.