Top Dermatology Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
Top Dermatology Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
Top Dermatology Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
AND ANSWERS
A. hyperbillirubinemia
B. hyperuricemia
C. hyperkalemia
D. hyporeninemia
Ans: A
12. Which of the following is a combining form meaning skin?
A. adip/o
B. cutane/o
C. pachy/o
D. xanth/o
Ans: B
13. A chronic dermatitis of unknown etiology in patients with a history of allergy is called
A. dermis
B. endodermis
C. epidermis
D. hypodermis
Ans: C
15. Of the three layers of the skin, which is the thick, fat-containing layer?
A. dermis
B. epidermis
C. epithelium
D. subcutaneous tissue
Ans: D
16. The brown-black pigment of the skin that is transferred to other epidermal cells and
gives the skin its color is called
A. albumin
B. collagen
C. keratin
D. melanin
Ans: D
17. Which of the following is transcribed correctly?
A. The patient was given metronidazole for rosacea and Lamisil for onychomycosis.
B. The patient was given metronidazole for roseola and Lamisil for onychomycosis.
C. The patient was given metronidazole for roseola and Lamisil for onychomycosis.
D. The patient was given metroprolol for rosacea and Lamisil for onychomycosis.
Ans: A
A. mucus
B. sebum
C. sweat
D. keratin
Ans: C
A. folliculitis
B. herpes simplex
C. impetigo
D. tinea corporis
Ans: D
A. dermatitis
B. keratosis
C. petechiae
D. pruritus
Ans: D
21. The skin, hair, nails, and glands all make up this system of the body.
23. Which skin neoplasm is associated with an increase in the growth of cells in the
keratin layer of the epidermis caused by pressure or friction?
A. callus
B. keloid
C. keratosis
D. leukoplakia
Ans: A
24. In this condition, there is a scaly dermatitis affecting parts of the skin that are
supplied by oil glands.
A. fissure
B. nodule
C. polyp
D. ulcer
Ans: A
27. Which of the following is transcribed correctly?
(Correct Ans: D
28. Follicular dilation involving the nose and portions of the cheeks, erythema, papules,
and pustules are classic signs of this dermatologic disorder.
29. A skin disorder most often caused by the herpes virus and consisting of red lesions
that look like targets is
A. candidiasis
B. erythema multiforme
C. hirsutism
D. keratosis pilaris
Ans: B
A. dermis
B. epidermis
C. stratum corneum unguis
D. hypodermis
Ans: A
31. When scraping for demodex, it may be helpful to pinch the skin while you scrape.
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Anagen
B. Catagen
C. Growagen
D. Telogen
Ans: A
A. Excoriations
B. Papules
C. GI Signs
D. Scratching of muzzle
Ans: C
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
A. Simple
B. Intermediate
C. Compound
D. Fuzzy
Ans: C
37. When is a dog "cured" of demodex?
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
44. Canine FAD lesions are usually found on the rump, feline are on the head.
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
45. Failure to treat localized demedocosis will cause the dog to develop generalized
demedocsis later on.
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
A. Anagen
B. Catagen
C. Relaxagen
D. Telogen
Ans: D
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
48. Wetting an area down with alchohol before plucking hairs for culture will decrease
inaccurate tests.
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
49. What is the signalment for pemphigus foliaceus?
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Telogen
B. Catagen
C. Zenagen
D. Anagen
Ans: B
54. In atopy, the allergens are absorbed via the skin
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
55. Puppies grow out of their puppy coats
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
57. Juvenile Cellulitis in dogs usually affects what part of the body
A. Face
B. Glabrous areas
C. Body wide
D. Axilla
Ans: A
A. 6 month
B. 1 year
C. 3-16 week old puppies
D. 8-12 weeks
Ans: C
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
62. It is necessary to clean the environment to eliminate ringworm
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. IgA
B. IgE
C. IgG
D. IgW
Ans: B
A. Prednisone
B. Prednisolone
C. Scientific Neglect
D. Cyclosporin
Ans: C
A. Papule
B. Pustule
C. Vesicle
D. Cyst
Ans: B
68. An erosion exposes the dermis underneath
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
60. FAD and insect hypersensitivity in horses are both similar not only in their
presentation, but also in their "cure".
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Gross
B. Seborrhea
C. Dandruff
D. Epidermal Collarette
Ans: B
73. A vesicle is a sharply circumscribed lesion containing fluid
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Furunculosis
B. Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
C. Skin Fold Dermatitis
Ans: C
A. Nevus
B. Macule
C. Papule
D. Pustule
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Furunculosis
B. Pustule
C. Vesicle
D. Plaque
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: B
82. Actinic means related to chemically active rays of the electromagnetic spectrum.
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
83. Accumulation of keratin and follicular material that adheres to hair shaft
A. Impetigo
B. Scales
C. Follicular Cast
Ans: C
A. Callus
B. Lichenification
C. Scaling
D. Lacking in sensitive people
Ans: B
85. Circumscribed, non-palpable area characterized by color change
A. Patch
B. Papule
C. Macule
Ans: C
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Comedone
B. Pustule
C. Furunculosis
Ans: A
A. benign
B. a lesion
C. a scar
Ans: C
A. true
B. false
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
93. Erythema:
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. shingles
B. an enlarged fever blister
C. blue colored skin
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Smokers
B. A.I.D.S.
C. Sun exposure
Ans: B
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
104. ___________ means itching caused by dry skin, parasitic infection or disease.
A. Scabies
B. Herpes Zoster
C. Pruritis
Ans: C
105. Tinea ________ means ring worm, athlete's foot.
A. purpura
B. impetigo
C. corporis
Ans: C
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. hemorragic
B. raised
C. discolored
Ans: A
A. Vesicle
B. Pustule
C. Bulla
D. Cyst
Ans: C
A. Plaque
B. Crust
C. Scale
Ans: B
A. Macule
B. Ecchymosis
C. Freckle
Ans: A
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
115. Atrophic skin is thin, translucent and wrinkled with easily visable blood vessels
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Carbuncle
B. Furuncle
C. Folliculitis
Ans: B
117. A compressible papule or plaque of dermal oedema, red or white in colour.
118. A pustule is a visible collection of pus in a blister. Pustules can be seen in psoriasis
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
A. Erythema
B. Ecchymosis
C. Cellulitis
Ans: C
120. A small solid elevation of the skin, generally defined as less than 5mm, maybe flat or
domeshaped.
A. Nodule
B. Papule
C. Macule
Ans: B
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
123. Atopic eczema induces lichenification
A. True
B. False
Ans: A
Question 1
What is the most common causative agent of erythema multiforme (EM)?
A Penicillin and sulphonamides
B Systemic lupus erythematosus
C HSV infection
D Malignancy
Answer C
Question 1 Explanation:
HSV is the most common etiologic agent of EM, which presents as a targetoid rash and bullae.
All the other options are also associated with the disorder, but less commonly.
Question 2
What is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?
A Keratoacanthoma
B Actinic keratosis
C Leser-Trélat sign
D Measles
Answer B
Question 2 Explanation:
Actinic keratosis is a premalignant lesion to SCC, caused by prolonged sun exposure. It presents
as scaly, rough, erythematous and small plaques, most commonly on the face, back or neck.
Question 3
What skin condition is caused by poxvirus?
A Verruca
B Molluscum contagiosum
C Impetigo
D Cellulitis
Answer B
Question 3 Explanation:
Molluscum contagiosum is an umbilicated papule. It is commonly seen in children and sexually
transmitted in adults.
Question 4
What are the histological findings of psoriasis?
A Inflammation of the dermal-epidermal junction
B Peripheral palisading of basal cells
C Acanthosis, Parakeratosis and Munro microabscesses
D Keratin pseudocysts
Answer C
Question 4 Explanation:
Psoriasis is as a result of increased keratinocyte proliferation. It presents as salmon coloured
papules and plaques with silvery scaling, especially on extensor surfaces and scalp. On histology,
there is epidermal hyperplasia (acanthosis), hyperkeratosis with retention of nuclei in stratum
corneum (parakeratosis) and groups of neutrophils in the stratum corneum (Munro
microabscesses).
Question 5
What is the infective agent implicated in acne?
A Staphylococcus aureus
B Streptococcus pyogenes
C Staphylococcus epidermidis
D Propionibacterium acnes
Answer D
Question 5 Explanation:
Propionibacterium acnes infection produces lipases resulting in inflammation and breakdown of
sebum, leading to pustule formation.
Question 6
Answer
How does lichen planus present clinically?
A Salmon coloured plaques with silvery scale
B Pruritic, red, oozing rash with edema
C Golden coloured crusts
D Pruritic, purple, polygonal, planar papules and plaques
Answer D
Question 6 Explanation:
Learn the 6 P’s of lichen planus. It also often occurs with reticular white lines on the mucosal
surfaces (Wickham striae). There is an association with hepatitis C.
Question 7
An elderly lady presents to her doctor with a raised, round discoloured plaque, ‘stuck on
appearance’ on her face. What skin condition is this?
A Rubella
B Seborrheic keratosis
C Basal cell carcinoma
D Melasma
Answer B
Question 7 Explanation:
Seborrheic keratosis is a benign squamous proliferation and is seen frequently in the elderly.
Question 8
What condition is associated with acanthosis nigricans?
A Type 2 diabetes and gastric adenocarcinoma
B Rubella
C Varicella zoster
D Basal cell carcinoma
Answer A
Question 8 Explanation:
Acanthosis nigricans is epidermal hyperplasia with darkening of the skin, especially in the axilla,
neck or groin. It is associated with malignancy especially GIT adenocarcinoma or insulin
resistance as seen in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Question 9
Correct
What childhood infection is associated with Koplik spots?
Measles
B Rubella
C Varicella
D Fifth disease
Answer A
Question 9 Explanation:
Measles is a paramyxovirus. Koplik spots are small bright red spots with a white centre on the
buccal mucosa that precede the measles rash by 1-2 days and are pathognomonic for measles.
Measles present initially with cough, coryza and conjunctivitis then the Koplik spots. Eventually
a maculopapular rash develops, beginning at the head/neck and spreading downwards.
Question 10
How does impetigo present?
Golden honey coloured crust over an erythematous base
B Salmon coloured plaque with silvery scale
Comedones, pustules and nodules
D Flesh coloured papule with a rough surface
Answer A
Question 10 Explanation:
Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by Staph aureus or Strep pyogenes. It frequently
affects children. It is treated with penicillin and topical preparations e.g. mupirocin.
Question 11
What is the best indicator of prognosis for a melanoma?
A Asymmetry
Colour
C Diameter
Invasion of the dermis
Answer D
Question 11 Explanation:
Invasion/ depth of extension measured by Breslow thickness is the most significant prognostic
factor in predicting metastasis. Asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation and diameter
(>6mm) are known as the ‘ABCD’ criteria for describing melanomas.
Question 12
What is Leser-Trélat sign?
Sudden appearance of multiple seborrhoeic keratoses and is an indicator of a gastrointestinal
tract carcinoma.
B A left supraclavicular node associated with gastric carcinoma
C Metastasis of gastric carcinoma to the periumbilical region
Metastasis of gastric carcinoma to the bilateral ovaries
Answer A
Question 12 Explanation:
Note that the presentation of gastric carcinoma can include Leser-Trélat sign, Virchow node,
Sister Mary Joseph nodule and Krukenberg tumour.
Question 13
What disease is associated with dermatitis herpetiformis?
A Herpes
Coeliac disease
C Atopic dermatitis
Melanoma
Answer B
Question 13 Explanation:
In coeliac disease, there are IgA antibodies against gluten that cross-react with reticulin fibres
that anchor the basement membrane to the dermis. Thus, IgA is deposited at the tips of dermal
papillae, presenting as grouped pruritic vesicles, papules or bullae. Usually found on elbows.
Question 14
What disorder is characterised by an initial ‘herald patch’ which is then followed by scaly
erythematous plaques usually in a ‘Christmas tree’ distribution?
Pityriasis rosea
B Herpes
C Varicella zoster virus
Erysipelas
Answer A
Question 14 Explanation:
Pityriasis rosea classically presents with a salmon coloured solitary patch ‘herald patch’ which
enlarges over a few days followed by generalised bilateral and symmetric macules with collarette
scale. Pruritus is sometimes present. It self resolves within 6 – 8 weeks.
Question 15
What is the pathogenesis of vitiligo?
A Congenital lack of pigmentation
B Increase in the number of melanosomes
Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes
D Benign proliferation of melanocytes
Answer C
Question 15 Explanation:
Vitiligo is the localised loss of skin pigmentation due to the autoimmune destruction of
melanocytes. Melanocytes synthesise melanin in melanosomes. Thus, if melanocytes are
destroyed, melanin cannot be produced.
Question 16
What type of melanoma is often seen in dark skinned individuals?
A Superficial spreading
Lentigo maligna melanoma
C Nodular
Acral lentiginous
Answer D
Question 16 Explanation:
The acral lentiginous variant of melanoma arises in dark skinned individuals on their palms or
soles. It is not linked to UVB induced DNA damage unlike the other types (this was the disease
that caused the death of Bob Marley).
Question 17
What is the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris?
IgG antibody against desmoglein
IgG antibody against hemidesmosome components
C Autoimmune deposition of IgA at tips of dermal papillae
D Enzyme defect in tyrosinase
Answer A
Question 17 Explanation:
Desmosomes are located in the stratum spinosum between keratinocytes. Antibodies against the
desmoglein component result in painful flaccid bullae or blisters that rupture easily on both skin
and oral mucosa. It is treated with corticosteroids.
Question 18
What is the most common mole found in adults?
A Junctional nevus
B Compound nevus
Intradermal nevus
D Congenital nevus
Answer C
Question 18 Explanation:
A mole/nevus is a benign neoplasm of melanocytes. It can be congenital or acquired. If acquired,
it progresses from a junctional nevus (most common in children) to a compound nevus and
eventually to an intradermal nevus. Note that the mole can undergo dysplasia and the dysplastic
nevus is a precursor to melanoma.
Question 19
What condition is associated with this presentation? A pink pearly nodule with telangiectasias,
ulceration and rolled borders on the upper lip.
A Squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
D Eczema
Answer B
Question 19 Explanation:
This is a classical presentation of basal cell carcinoma, a malignant proliferation of basal cells
and the most common skin cancer. Risk factors include excessive sunlight exposure, xeroderma
pigmentosum and albinism. Treatment is surgical excision.