NIC National Cosmetology Theory Exam — Practice Exam
Skin disorders: practice questions
Our NIC Cosmetology Theory bank has 14 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What is a keloid?
- A thick scar that grows beyond the original wound
- A patch of lost pigment
- A crack in the skin
- A small white cyst of trapped keratin under the skin
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A. A thick scar that grows beyond the original wound — Keloids result from excess scar tissue.
Question 2
Which skin condition shows red patches covered with silvery-white scales and is not contagious?
- Herpes simplex
- Psoriasis
- Impetigo
- Tinea corporis
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B. Psoriasis — Psoriasis is a chronic condition; avoid services over open or irritated areas.
Question 3
What are milia?
- Flat brown spots from sun exposure
- Thick, silvery patches of scaling skin
- Clusters of tiny, red blood vessels on the cheeks
- Small, white cysts of keratin under the skin
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D. Small, white cysts of keratin under the skin — Milia are common around the eyes.
Question 4
A flat spot of color on the skin, such as a freckle, is called a:
- Vesicle
- Papule
- Macule
- Wheal
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C. Macule — Macules are flat; papules are raised.
Question 5
What does the 'E' in the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma stand for?
- Elevated temperature of the skin around the spot
- Evolving (changing) size, shape or color
- Even color throughout
- Eczema
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B. Evolving (changing) size, shape or color — A–E: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving.