Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which term best describes skin affected by herpes zoster?

1. Infected

2. Inflamed

3. Scaly

4. Viral

The correct answer is: Viral

The term that best describes skin affected by herpes zoster is "viral." Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When the virus reactivates after lying dormant in the body, it leads to the characteristic blisters and painful rash associated with shingles. The use of "viral" specifically highlights the infectious etiology of the condition, making it clear that it is a result of a viral infection rather than another type of skin condition. This is essential for understanding the nature of the disease and its contagious potential, which can inform appropriate precautions in a clinical or esthetic setting. In contrast, while the skin may be inflamed and could show signs of infection during an outbreak, the defining and most relevant term in this context is "viral," as it identifies the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms. Additionally, terms like "infected" and "scaly" would not accurately represent the primary nature of herpes zoster, which is specifically related to the viral infection.