New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

Which of the following is characterized by an excess shedding of skin cells?

1. Seborrhea

2. Psoriasis

3. Asthenia

4. Asteatosis

The correct answer is: Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by an excess shedding of skin cells, which results in the formation of thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. This condition is a chronic autoimmune disorder that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, leading to an accumulation of cells on the surface of the skin. As a result, the normal process of skin cell regeneration is significantly sped up, causing the characteristic symptoms of psoriasis. In contrast, seborrhea refers to an overproduction of sebum, which can lead to oily skin but does not specifically involve excessive shedding of skin cells. Asthenia refers to a state of weakness or lack of energy and does not relate to skin cell shedding. Asteatosis is a condition characterized by dry, flaky skin due to a lack of oil, but it does not involve the accelerated shedding of skin cells seen in psoriasis. Understanding these distinctions highlights why psoriasis is the condition defined by excess shedding.