Skin Conditions & Pathology for Light Therapy Flashcards
6 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Skin Conditions & Pathology for Light Therapy flashcards as text
What is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and which clients are most at risk?
Answer: Excess melanin deposited after skin inflammation, most common in Fitzpatrick Types IV–VI
PIH occurs when inflammation triggers melanocytes to overproduce melanin, and darker skin types are most susceptible due to more reactive pigment-producing cells.
A CLT notices a client has a lesion with irregular borders, multiple colors, and a diameter greater than 6mm on their back. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Refer the client to a dermatologist immediately before proceeding with any treatment
The ABCDE criteria (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) describe features of potential melanoma, requiring urgent dermatology referral before any light therapy.
What is the Koebner phenomenon and why is it important for CLT practice?
Answer: New skin lesions appearing at sites of trauma or injury, relevant when treating psoriasis or vitiligo clients
The Koebner phenomenon means that trauma—including from treatment equipment contact—can trigger new lesions in clients with psoriasis, vitiligo, or lichen planus.
Which inflammatory skin condition is characterized by intense itching, dry skin, and a chronic relapsing course, and may be managed with narrowband UVB light therapy?
Answer: Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition with a strong genetic and immune component, and narrowband UVB phototherapy is an effective second-line therapy for moderate-to-severe cases.
Why is it important for a CLT to know whether a client has a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) before light therapy?
Answer: Certain light therapies can trigger HSV reactivation (cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks)
UV and laser light exposure can trigger HSV reactivation in latent carriers, so prophylactic antiviral medication may be needed before certain light therapy procedures.
What characterizes melasma and which light therapy approach requires extra caution when treating clients with this condition?
Answer: Symmetrical facial hyperpigmentation triggered by hormones/UV; aggressive laser or IPL can worsen it
Melasma is hormonally driven pigmentation that can be significantly worsened by heat and light, requiring low-energy, carefully controlled treatments.