Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

What term is used to describe scaly patches and red skin on the scalp?

1. Eggshell nails

2. Pityriasis steatoides

3. Ringworm

4. Seborrhic dermatitis

The correct answer is: Seborrhic dermatitis

The term used to describe scaly patches and red skin on the scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is characterized by the presence of oily, scaly patches, and redness, particularly on areas where sebaceous glands are more active, such as the scalp, face, and upper back. It often results in dandruff or flaking, and is caused by a combination of factors including an overgrowth of yeast, irritation from skin oils, or sensitivity to certain products. While other conditions such as pityriasis steatoides and ringworm can also affect the scalp, their symptoms and causes differ significantly from those of seborrheic dermatitis. Pityriasis steatoides, for example, refers to a condition that involves greasy scales rather than the general redness and irritation typical of seborrheic dermatitis. Ringworm is a fungal infection that typically presents with a circular, red, itchy rash and does not necessarily involve scaly patches in the same way. Eggshell nails pertain to the condition of nails, not the scalp, making it unrelated to the symptoms described. Thus, seborrheic dermatitis is the most accurate term for those specific symptoms on the scalp.