Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Massachusetts Cosmetology Board Exam with interactive practice tests. Get hints and detailed explanations for each question, enhancing your cosmetology fundamentals for a successful exam day.

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is NOT a sign of an allergic reaction?

  1. Itching of the skin

  2. Redness of the skin

  3. Swelling of the skin

  4. Increased moisture retention

The correct answer is: Increased moisture retention

Increased moisture retention is not typically associated with allergic reactions. Allergic responses are characterized by the body's immune system reacting to a substance (allergen) and can present symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling, all of which are indicative of inflammation and irritation. Itching arises as the body releases histamines in response to allergens, leading to discomfort and a desire to scratch the affected area. Redness occurs due to increased blood flow as the immune system responds to the allergen, while swelling results from fluid accumulation in the tissues as part of the inflammatory process. In contrast, increased moisture retention does not correlate with the physiological responses typical of an allergy, making it the correct choice in this context. Understanding these differences helps in identifying and managing allergic reactions properly in cosmetology practice.