Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

What skin condition is characterized by an autoimmune response leading to thickened skin?

1. Psoriasis

2. Eczema

3. Scleroderm

4. Alopecia

The correct answer is: Scleroderm

The condition characterized by an autoimmune response that leads to thickened skin is scleroderma. This disorder causes the skin to harden and tighten due to the excessive production of collagen. The autoimmune aspect means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, resulting in inflammation and the subsequent thickening of the skin in affected areas. Scleroderma can also affect internal organs and has systemic implications, which distinguishes it from other skin conditions. In contrast, psoriasis is marked by rapid skin cell turnover, leading to flaky, red patches that may be covered with silvery scales, but is primarily a inflammatory skin issue rather than an autoimmune thickening of the skin. Eczema involves inflamed, itchy skin but does not typically produce the same thickening associated with scleroderma. Alopecia is related to hair loss and does not involve skin thickening. Thus, scleroderma is the clear answer when considering a condition that leads to thickened skin due to an autoimmune response.