Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the IBEC Laser Technician Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations to ensure you are fully prepared for the exam. Excel in your certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which term describes a round thickened patch of epidermis caused by friction?

  1. Dermatitis

  2. Bacili

  3. Keratoma or Callous

  4. Leucoderma

The correct answer is: Keratoma or Callous

The term that describes a round thickened patch of epidermis caused by friction is known as a keratoma or callous. These thickened areas of skin develop as a protective response to repetitive friction or pressure. The body responds to this ongoing irritation by producing more keratin, which is a protein that helps in forming the outer layer of skin, leading to the thickened, hardened patches. Keratomas or callouses typically appear on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet or hands, where consistent friction occurs. They serve as a barrier to protect underlying tissues from damage. In contrast, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin due to various causes, bacili are a type of bacteria, and leucoderma pertains to the loss of skin pigmentation. These terms do not align with the description of a thickened patch of skin resulting from friction, further highlighting why keratoma or callous is the correct choice in this context.