Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the term used for fungus?

1. Mycosis

2. Tinea

3. Dermatitis

4. Histoplasmosis

The correct answer is: Tinea

The term specifically used to denote a fungal infection is "mycosis." Mycosis refers to any infection or condition caused by a fungus. This term encompasses a wide variety of fungal diseases affecting different areas of the body, including the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. While "tinea" refers to a specific type of fungal infection that usually affects the skin, hair, and nails, it is not a general term for fungus itself. Tinea infections are commonly known as ringworm and are caused by dermatophytes, which are a group of fungi. Dermatitis, on the other hand, is a general term for an inflammation of the skin and can be caused by various factors, including allergens, irritants, and even certain infections, but does not specifically refer to fungal infections. Histoplasmosis is a type of mycosis caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum and primarily affects the lungs but is not a general term for fungus. Thus, mycosis accurately captures the broader category of fungal infections, while the other terms represent more specific conditions or types of skin reactions.