DERMATOLOGY BOARD EXAM PREP: 200 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES, COVERING MEDICAL, SURGICAL,
PEDIATRIC, AND DERMATOPATHOLOGY – LATEST
UPDATE FOR 2026-2027
Section 1: General & Medical Dermatology
1. A 42-year-old presents with well-demarcated
erythematous plaques with silvery scale on the
extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees. Nail
pitting is present. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
• A. Nummular eczema
• B. Plaque-type psoriasis
• C. Pityriasis rosea
• D. Tinea corporis
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Plaque-type psoriasis
classically presents with sharply demarcated
,erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor
surfaces (elbows, knees), scalp, and lumbosacral
area. Nail pitting is a common associated finding.
2. A 28-year-old develops multiple small drop-like
erythematous scaly papules on the trunk two
weeks after a streptococcal pharyngitis episode.
Which psoriasis variant is most consistent with this
presentation?
• A. Erythrodermic psoriasis
• B. Generalized pustular psoriasis
• C. Guttate psoriasis
• D. Inverse psoriasis
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Guttate psoriasis classically
presents in young adults as small (2-10 mm) drop-
like scaly papules, typically erupting 1-3 weeks after
streptococcal infection.
3. A 35-year-old presents with well-demarcated
erythematous plaques with silvery scale on the
,elbows, knees, and scalp. Which finding on
histopathology is most characteristic?
• A. Spongiosis with eosinophils
• B. Parakeratosis, neutrophil microabscesses
(Munro), and acanthosis with elongated rete
ridges
• C. Lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrate with
apoptotic keratinocytes
• D. Subepidermal blister with eosinophils
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Plaque psoriasis shows
parakeratosis, Munro microabscesses (neutrophils
in stratum corneum), regular acanthosis with
elongated rete ridges, and dilated dermal
capillaries.
4. Which of the following biologics targets the p19
subunit of interleukin-23 and is approved for
moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis?
• A. Secukinumab
, • B. Risankizumab
• C. Adalimumab
• D. Ustekinumab
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Risankizumab is an IL-23
p19 inhibitor approved for moderate-to-severe
plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
5. A 16-year-old presents with non-inflammatory
open and closed comedones on the forehead and
nose without papules, pustules, or nodules. Which
first-line topical agent specifically targets
comedogenesis?
• A. Topical clindamycin
• B. Topical retinoid (tretinoin or adapalene)
• C. Oral doxycycline
• D. Oral isotretinoin
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Topical retinoids (tretinoin,
adapalene, tazarotene) are first-line for comedonal
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES, COVERING MEDICAL, SURGICAL,
PEDIATRIC, AND DERMATOPATHOLOGY – LATEST
UPDATE FOR 2026-2027
Section 1: General & Medical Dermatology
1. A 42-year-old presents with well-demarcated
erythematous plaques with silvery scale on the
extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees. Nail
pitting is present. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
• A. Nummular eczema
• B. Plaque-type psoriasis
• C. Pityriasis rosea
• D. Tinea corporis
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Plaque-type psoriasis
classically presents with sharply demarcated
,erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor
surfaces (elbows, knees), scalp, and lumbosacral
area. Nail pitting is a common associated finding.
2. A 28-year-old develops multiple small drop-like
erythematous scaly papules on the trunk two
weeks after a streptococcal pharyngitis episode.
Which psoriasis variant is most consistent with this
presentation?
• A. Erythrodermic psoriasis
• B. Generalized pustular psoriasis
• C. Guttate psoriasis
• D. Inverse psoriasis
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Guttate psoriasis classically
presents in young adults as small (2-10 mm) drop-
like scaly papules, typically erupting 1-3 weeks after
streptococcal infection.
3. A 35-year-old presents with well-demarcated
erythematous plaques with silvery scale on the
,elbows, knees, and scalp. Which finding on
histopathology is most characteristic?
• A. Spongiosis with eosinophils
• B. Parakeratosis, neutrophil microabscesses
(Munro), and acanthosis with elongated rete
ridges
• C. Lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrate with
apoptotic keratinocytes
• D. Subepidermal blister with eosinophils
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Plaque psoriasis shows
parakeratosis, Munro microabscesses (neutrophils
in stratum corneum), regular acanthosis with
elongated rete ridges, and dilated dermal
capillaries.
4. Which of the following biologics targets the p19
subunit of interleukin-23 and is approved for
moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis?
• A. Secukinumab
, • B. Risankizumab
• C. Adalimumab
• D. Ustekinumab
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Risankizumab is an IL-23
p19 inhibitor approved for moderate-to-severe
plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
5. A 16-year-old presents with non-inflammatory
open and closed comedones on the forehead and
nose without papules, pustules, or nodules. Which
first-line topical agent specifically targets
comedogenesis?
• A. Topical clindamycin
• B. Topical retinoid (tretinoin or adapalene)
• C. Oral doxycycline
• D. Oral isotretinoin
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Topical retinoids (tretinoin,
adapalene, tazarotene) are first-line for comedonal
