Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which of the following refers to a parasite that lives on the surface of the skin?

1. Scabies

2. Lice

3. Fleas

4. Ticks

The correct answer is: Lice

Lice are a type of parasite that specifically inhabit the surface of the skin, particularly on the scalp, body, and in some cases, pubic area. They are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood and thrive in human hair or body hair, making them a surface-dwelling parasite. In contrast, while scabies involve a type of mite that burrows into the skin, and fleas and ticks may also occupy similar surface environments, their primary behaviors differ. Scabies mites cause an itchy skin condition by living under the skin, whereas fleas and ticks are generally more associated with transient contact rather than living directly on the skin in the same manner as lice. Thus, lice are the most accurate answer when identifying parasites that live directly on the skin's surface.