Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Which skin condition can be a result of friction damage?

1. Papules

2. Lichenification

3. Blisters

4. Fissures

The correct answer is: Lichenification

The correct answer is that lichenification can be a result of friction damage because it refers to the thickening of the skin that often develops in response to chronic irritation or inflammation. When the skin is subjected to repeated friction, such as from clothing or consistent rubbing, it can lead to a localized increase in skin cell turnover and subsequent thickening, which characterizes lichenification. This condition is commonly observed in areas where the skin is regularly exposed to friction, making it a notable result of this type of trauma. In contrast, while papules, blisters, and fissures are all skin conditions that can arise under different circumstances, they do not specifically correlate directly with friction damage. Papules are small, raised bumps that can occur due to various factors, including infections or allergic reactions. Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that typically form as a protective response to acute friction or burns, while fissures represent cracks in the skin that often arise from dryness or buildup rather than from friction alone. Each of these conditions has distinct etiologies and presentations, but lichenification is uniquely associated with the long-term effects of friction.