Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

Dry, scaly skin caused by reduced sebum production is also known as:

1. Asteatosis

2. Xerosis

3. Dermatitis

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Asteatosis

The term that accurately describes dry, scaly skin resulting from reduced sebum production is asteatosis. This condition occurs when there is insufficient oil or sebum on the skin, leading to dryness, flaking, and scaling. Asteatosis can result from various factors, including aging, environmental conditions, and certain skin care products that strip the skin of its natural oils. Xerosis, while it refers to abnormally dry skin, is a broader term and does not specifically indicate the reduced sebum production aspect. It encompasses dryness that can stem from multiple causes, including environmental factors, dehydration, or even certain skin conditions, but is not solely attributed to lack of sebum. Dermatitis and eczema are terms often used interchangeably and refer to inflammatory conditions of the skin that may include symptoms such as redness, itching, and inflammation. While these can result in dry skin, they are more focused on inflammation rather than being specifically defined by reduced sebum production and the resulting scaling. Thus, asteatosis precisely describes the condition of dry, scaly skin due to diminished sebum, distinguishing it from other skin conditions that may involve dryness.