New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is leukoderma characterized by?

1. Excessive pigmentation in the skin

2. Loss of pigmentation due to decrease in melanocyte activity

3. Swelling and redness of the skin

4. Dark patches on the skin

The correct answer is: Loss of pigmentation due to decrease in melanocyte activity

Leukoderma is characterized by the loss of pigmentation in the skin resulting from a decrease in melanocyte activity. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. When these cells become less active or their function is impaired, it leads to lighter or white patches on the skin, which is the hallmark of leukoderma. This condition can arise from various factors, including certain medical conditions, exposure to chemicals, or autoimmune responses that target the skin's pigment-producing cells. The other options describe conditions that are fundamentally different from leukoderma. Excessive pigmentation indicates hyperpigmentation, which is increased melanin production and is not relevant to leukoderma. Swelling and redness typically refer to inflammation or irritation rather than a loss of pigment. Dark patches would suggest hyperpigmentation or conditions like melasma, which again contrasts with the definitions and characteristics of leukoderma.