Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam

Name a common symptom of contact dermatitis that a cosmetologist should be aware of.

1. Dry, flaky skin

2. Red, itchy skin

3. Puffy lips

4. Dark spots

The correct answer is: Red, itchy skin

The common symptom of contact dermatitis that is most relevant for a cosmetologist to be aware of is red, itchy skin. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or an allergen. This condition typically presents with redness and itching as the body's immune response is activated. Understanding this symptom is critical for cosmetologists, as they frequently work with various products that could potentially cause such reactions in clients. Recognizing red, itchy skin can help in advising clients on their skin care and preventing additional exposure to irritants. While dry, flaky skin can also occur with certain skin conditions or irritations, it is less specific to contact dermatitis. Puffy lips may indicate an allergic reaction but is not a common symptom of contact dermatitis itself. Dark spots usually represent hyperpigmentation and are not associated with the acute symptoms of contact dermatitis. Thus, being aware of red, itchy skin helps cosmetologists better understand how to manage and mitigate reactions to products or environmental factors.