2 kinds of 'masks' on Adjustment layers?

[jimh12345]

Yeah I'm new.

I see that I can attach a mask layer to an Adjustment - and then edit the mask somewhat (though not entirely) as in PS.  But it seems  I can also restrict the adjustment without using a mask layer - just by painting and erasing on the adjustment later.   On the little thumbnail for the layer, I can see where I've "masked" it in this way - but that's pretty tiny.  There does not seem to be a way to view and edit this "implied" mask layer. Is there perhaps a way to promote it to a "real" mask layer?    

What happens if I add a "real" mask layer to an adjustment - how does it interact with the "implied" mask?   

[pbasdf]

Hi

Yes, adjustment layers are their own mask.  If you hold down Alt/Option when clicking the adjustment layer, it will be isolated so that you can see and edit the mask.