NIC Esthetician Written ExamSkin Analysis and ConsultationMedium
During a client consultation, an esthetician observes that the client's skin appears thin, translucent, and easily bruised, with visible telangiectasias. The client also mentions prolonged use of topical corticosteroids for a chronic skin condition. What is the most likely cause of these skin characteristics?
- ACorticosteroid-induced skin atrophy
- BAdvanced photoaging
- COver-exfoliation
- DSevere dehydration
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy
Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids can lead to skin atrophy, characterized by thinning, fragility, easy bruising, and visible blood vessels (telangiectasias). This matches the client's observed symptoms and history.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While advanced photoaging can cause thinning and telangiectasias, the specific combination with easy bruising and the history of corticosteroid use points more strongly to atrophy.
- C. Over-exfoliation can cause thinning and sensitivity, but telangiectasias and easy bruising are more indicative of corticosteroid use.
- D. Severe dehydration would typically present with flakiness and tightness, not necessarily extreme thinning or bruising.
Corticosteroid-Induced Skin Atrophy
A side effect of prolonged topical corticosteroid use, leading to thinning, fragility, and visible blood vessels in the skin.
- Causes include overuse or high potency corticosteroids.
- Symptoms: skin thinning, translucency, easy bruising, telangiectasias.
- Requires careful product selection and gentle treatment.
Memory trick: Thin skin can be from too much steroid, sun, or just getting old.