Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

If a client is diagnosed with herpes zoster, what condition do they have?

1. Cold sores

2. Shingles

3. Psoriasis

4. Ringworm

The correct answer is: Shingles

The correct answer is shingles, which is the common name for herpes zoster. This condition occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, reactivates in an individual who has had chickenpox. It typically leads to a painful rash that can present as blisters, and it often follows a nerve path, causing pain and discomfort in the affected area of the skin. Shingles is characterized by its distinct presentation, usually affecting one side of the body and can cause significant discomfort. In contrast, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and appear as blisters on or around the lips. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover, leading to scaly patches, and ringworm is a fungal infection that presents as a ring-shaped rash on the skin. Each of these conditions has different causes and symptoms, which helps to differentiate them from shingles. Recognizing the specific characteristics of shingles is important for proper diagnosis and treatment as well as for understanding potential implications for clients in an esthetics setting.