Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is tinea versicolor commonly referred to as?

1. Sun spots

2. Age spots

3. Freckles

4. Solar lentigines

The correct answer is: Sun spots

Tinea versicolor is commonly referred to as "sun spots" because it often manifests as lighter or darker patches of skin that can be more noticeable after sun exposure. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that is normally found on the skin. As it interferes with the skin's normal pigmentation, the affected areas can appear discolored, resembling spots that people may associate with sun exposure. While terms like "age spots," "freckles," and "solar lentigines" relate to skin discolorations, they have different causes and characteristics. Age spots, for instance, are often a result of prolonged sun exposure and aging; freckles are small spots that tend to develop in fair-skinned individuals and are primarily determined by genetic factors; solar lentigines are also linked to sun exposure but are typically more uniform and darker than the patches seen in tinea versicolor. Therefore, the association of tinea versicolor with "sun spots" correctly highlights its connection to altered pigmentation that can be accentuated by the sun.