Viral Skin Infections Practice Questions
2026/2027 | Complete Exam Review and
Study Guide
Description: This comprehensive revision resource contains 200 high-yield multiple-
choice questions (MCQs) covering the virology, pathogenesis, clinical features,
diagnosis, and management of viral skin infections. It is designed for medical students,
dermatology residents, and healthcare professionals preparing for board exams, OSCEs,
or clinical practice. The questions are organized by viral family and clinical
presentation to facilitate systematic study.
Key Words: Viral Skin Infections, Dermatology, Virology, Herpes Simplex, Varicella-
Zoster, Human Papillomavirus, Molluscum Contagiosum, Poxvirus, Measles, Rubella,
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Exanthems, Antivirals, Acyclovir, Vaccines, MCQ,
Revision, Exam Review.
Section 1: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections (Q1-Q40)
Q1. Which of the following is the most common cause of recurrent herpes labialis?
A. HSV-1
B. HSV-2
C. VZV
,D. CMV
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q2. A patient presents with grouped vesicles on an erythematous base on the
genitalia. What is the most likely causative agent?
A. HSV-1
B. HSV-2
C. HPV
D. Molluscum contagiosum virus
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q3. What is the classic histological finding in a herpes simplex virus infection?
A. Koilocytosis
B. Multinucleated giant cells with intranuclear inclusions
C. Munro microabscesses
D. Pautrier microabscesses
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q4. Which of the following is a primary complication of neonatal HSV infection?
A. Encephalitis
B. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
C. Pneumonitis
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D ✅
Q5. A Tzanck smear is used to demonstrate which of the following?
A. Viral particles
B. Multinucleated giant cells
C. Bacterial spores
D. Fungal hyphae
Correct Answer: B ✅
,Q6. What is the drug of choice for a primary HSV infection in an
immunocompetent adult?
A. Acyclovir
B. Penicillin
C. Fluconazole
D. Metronidazole
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q7. Which of the following triggers recurrent HSV infection?
A. Sunlight
B. Stress
C. Fever
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D ✅
Q8. Eczema herpeticum is a severe complication of HSV infection most commonly
seen in patients with:
A. Psoriasis
B. Atopic dermatitis
C. Lichen planus
D. Acne vulgaris
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q9. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of herpes gladiatorum?
A. Lesions on the trunk and extremities in wrestlers
B. Lesions on the palms and soles
C. Lesions on the oral mucosa only
D. Lesions on the genitalia only
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q10. What is the recommended treatment for herpes simplex keratitis?
A. Topical acyclovir
, B. Topical corticosteroids
C. Oral antibiotics
D. Topical antifungals
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q11. Which of the following is true regarding HSV-1 seroprevalence?
A. It is highest in children under 5 years old.
B. It increases with age and socioeconomic status.
C. It is lowest in developing countries.
D. It is not affected by age.
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q12. A herpetic whitlow is an infection of the:
A. Eye
B. Finger
C. Toe
D. Ear
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q13. Which of the following is a common clinical presentation of primary HSV-1
infection?
A. Gingivostomatitis
B. Herpes labialis
C. Genital herpes
D. Herpetic whitlow
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q14. What is the mechanism of action of acyclovir?
A. Inhibits viral DNA polymerase
B. Inhibits viral protease
C. Inhibits viral neuraminidase
2026/2027 | Complete Exam Review and
Study Guide
Description: This comprehensive revision resource contains 200 high-yield multiple-
choice questions (MCQs) covering the virology, pathogenesis, clinical features,
diagnosis, and management of viral skin infections. It is designed for medical students,
dermatology residents, and healthcare professionals preparing for board exams, OSCEs,
or clinical practice. The questions are organized by viral family and clinical
presentation to facilitate systematic study.
Key Words: Viral Skin Infections, Dermatology, Virology, Herpes Simplex, Varicella-
Zoster, Human Papillomavirus, Molluscum Contagiosum, Poxvirus, Measles, Rubella,
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Exanthems, Antivirals, Acyclovir, Vaccines, MCQ,
Revision, Exam Review.
Section 1: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections (Q1-Q40)
Q1. Which of the following is the most common cause of recurrent herpes labialis?
A. HSV-1
B. HSV-2
C. VZV
,D. CMV
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q2. A patient presents with grouped vesicles on an erythematous base on the
genitalia. What is the most likely causative agent?
A. HSV-1
B. HSV-2
C. HPV
D. Molluscum contagiosum virus
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q3. What is the classic histological finding in a herpes simplex virus infection?
A. Koilocytosis
B. Multinucleated giant cells with intranuclear inclusions
C. Munro microabscesses
D. Pautrier microabscesses
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q4. Which of the following is a primary complication of neonatal HSV infection?
A. Encephalitis
B. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
C. Pneumonitis
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D ✅
Q5. A Tzanck smear is used to demonstrate which of the following?
A. Viral particles
B. Multinucleated giant cells
C. Bacterial spores
D. Fungal hyphae
Correct Answer: B ✅
,Q6. What is the drug of choice for a primary HSV infection in an
immunocompetent adult?
A. Acyclovir
B. Penicillin
C. Fluconazole
D. Metronidazole
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q7. Which of the following triggers recurrent HSV infection?
A. Sunlight
B. Stress
C. Fever
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D ✅
Q8. Eczema herpeticum is a severe complication of HSV infection most commonly
seen in patients with:
A. Psoriasis
B. Atopic dermatitis
C. Lichen planus
D. Acne vulgaris
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q9. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of herpes gladiatorum?
A. Lesions on the trunk and extremities in wrestlers
B. Lesions on the palms and soles
C. Lesions on the oral mucosa only
D. Lesions on the genitalia only
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q10. What is the recommended treatment for herpes simplex keratitis?
A. Topical acyclovir
, B. Topical corticosteroids
C. Oral antibiotics
D. Topical antifungals
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q11. Which of the following is true regarding HSV-1 seroprevalence?
A. It is highest in children under 5 years old.
B. It increases with age and socioeconomic status.
C. It is lowest in developing countries.
D. It is not affected by age.
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q12. A herpetic whitlow is an infection of the:
A. Eye
B. Finger
C. Toe
D. Ear
Correct Answer: B ✅
Q13. Which of the following is a common clinical presentation of primary HSV-1
infection?
A. Gingivostomatitis
B. Herpes labialis
C. Genital herpes
D. Herpetic whitlow
Correct Answer: A ✅
Q14. What is the mechanism of action of acyclovir?
A. Inhibits viral DNA polymerase
B. Inhibits viral protease
C. Inhibits viral neuraminidase
