New York Nail Technician License Practice Test

What type of organism can be a cause of skin irritation and itching?

1. Protozoa

2. Fungi

3. Parasites

4. Viruses

The correct answer is: Parasites

The correct answer is that parasites can indeed cause skin irritation and itching. Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. Examples include mites, lice, and fleas, all of which can lead to reactions on the skin. When a parasite infests the skin, it may trigger an allergic reaction or directly irritate the skin, leading to symptoms like itching and redness. While fungi can also lead to skin issues, they typically cause infections such as athlete's foot or ringworm, which may present different symptoms and mechanisms compared to the irritation directly caused by parasites. Protozoa and viruses tend to affect human health in other ways and are less commonly associated with direct skin irritation. This is why understanding the specific nature of how these organisms interact with the body is crucial in identifying their effects.