Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

What describes necrosis in terms of skin condition?

1. Healthy skin tissue

2. Inflamed skin

3. Dead skin tissue

4. Regenerated skin

The correct answer is: Dead skin tissue

Necrosis refers specifically to the death of cells or tissues in the body due to injury, lack of blood flow, infection, or other factors. In the context of skin conditions, necrosis manifests as dead skin tissue. This occurs when skin cells no longer function and die, often resulting from events such as ischemia (lack of blood supply) or severe infection. This dead tissue can appear discolored, often black or brown, as it breaks down. Understanding necrosis is important in tattooing because it can impact healing and the overall outcome of the tattoo if the area has been compromised by necrotic tissue. Healthy skin, inflamed skin, and regenerated skin do not describe necrosis, as they all involve living or viable tissue, while necrosis specifically involves the absence of viable cells and represents a pathological condition.