Dermatology Exam Master – Complete 200 Question Bank
with Correct Answers | Medical and Clinical Dermatology
Review 2025-2026 LATEST COVERING MOST TESTED
QUESTIONS
The Dermatology Exam Master is designed to test and reinforce knowledge of
skin anatomy, common and rare dermatologic conditions, diagnostic
techniques, and treatment protocols. It covers clinical scenarios involving
infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, neoplasms, and autoimmune skin
conditions. This resource supports preparation for dermatology exams, board
certifications, or medical rotations
Case
A 20-year-old Caucasian woman presents to the hospital with a 2-month history of itchiness of her
scalp. On examination you note greasy yellowish scales on her scalp and eyebrows.
Question
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Hand eczema
B) Seborrheic dermatitis
C) Atopic dermatitis
D) Nummular dermatitis
E) Pompholyx - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Seborrheic dermatitis
Explanation
This patient most probably has seborrheic dermatitis. Itis characterized by greasy scales over the
scalp. It may also be visible along the hairline, on the eyebrows, in the external auditory canals, in
the nasolabial folds, and over the sternum. There may be some pruritus.
Hand eczema is characterized by erythema, dryness, cracking, and edema of the skin of the hands. It
is a chronic condition, which is aggravated by frequent immersion of hands in water and detergents.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by chronic pruritic lesions marked by exacerbations and
remissions. There is a personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, or eczema.
In the acute phase, they may present with erythematous patches, weeping, and crusted plaques. In
,the chronic phase, they present with hyperpigmented lichenified lesions. It commonly affects the
face, neck, wrists, antecubital, and popliteal fossae.
Nummular dermatitis is characterized by chronic coin-shaped, crusted lesions, which are usually
pruritic. They commonly appear on the trunk and extensor surfaces of the extremities, especially the
pretibial areas.
Pompholyx is characterized by scaling and deep-seated vesicles on the palms, fingers, and soles,
which are pruritic. There may also be erythema and scaling.
Case
A 7-year-old boy presents with a 3-day history of intense pruritus on his wrists, fingers, and
antecubital fossae. It began on his fingers and has moved proximally. According to his mother, they
are raised red eruptions and some have scabbed over. She states he has never had this before and it
is keeping him up at night. He recently started at a new school.
Question
What procedure would be most helpful in confirming your diagnosis?
A) Skin scraping with immersion oil
B) Woods lamp inspection
C) Skin scraping with KOH
D) Punch biopsy
E) Skin culture and gram stain - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Skin scraping with immersion oil
Explanation
Skin scraping with immersion oil is the confirmatory test for scabies, which is the most likely
diagnosis.
Wood lamp inspection consists of shining ultraviolet light on the skin, looking for fluorescence
indicative of such diseases as erythrasma, fungal infections, and sclerosis. Skin scraping with KOH is
helpful in diagnosing fungal infections of the skin. Punch biopsies are more invasive, and they are
used for deeper skin lesions. Skin culture and Gram stain are not helpful in the diagnosis of scabies;
they are used for suspected bacterial or fungal infections.
Question
A 23-year-old man presents with unbearable itching in his genital area. The itching increases in
intensity at night. He admits to several recent sexual encounters with different people in the past
,month. Skin exam reveals multiple excoriated papules and burrows with surrounding inflammation.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Tinea cruris
B) Pediculosis pubis
C) Scabies
D) Molluscum contagiosum - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Scabies
Explanation
The CORRECT ANSWER is scabies because intense pruritis, especially at night, with excoriated
papules and characteristic burrows or raised tunnels under the skin are a typical presentation.
Tinea cruris is a fungal infection and can also be intensely pruritic but does not cause the
dermatologic manifestations noted above.
Pediculosis pubis, an arthropod, is another cause of pruritis but does not cause the dermatologic
manifestations noted above, and typically the lice and their nits are seen on examination.
Molluscum contagiosum and HPV are caused by viruses, are not pruritic lesions, and do not present
as excoriated papules with burrows.
Question
A 15-year-old boy presents to the office with his mother with a complaint of constant itching and
burning on his arms and thighs for 2 weeks. His mother admits to giving him acetaminophen without
relief. The patient is taking no other medications. On clinical exam, there are multiple 2-cm wheals
with a few small papules on his thighs and forearms. They are red and slightly raised. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Erythema nodosa
B) Erythema multiforme
C) Urticaria
D) Erythema ab igne
E) Nummular eczema - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Urticaria
Explanation
Urticaria is chronic or acute and is characterized by wheals and papules. Itching and prickling
sensations are constant. Both sexes are affected equally, and it's often seen in childhood or teen
years. The presenting areas are the arms, legs, thighs, and waist. The most common cause is an
, allergy to medications, foods, or physical agents. The symptoms usually disappear within 6 months
(acute), but they can last longer (chronic).
Erythema nodosa is an acute inflammatory condition characterized by painful nodules on the
anterior aspect of the legs. It is often symptomatic of a bacterial, viral, or fungal disease or drug
eruption. This occurs most often in women and between the ages of 20 - 30 years. Clinical features
include acute fever, malaise, and joint pain. Lesions are nodular, painful, red, and shiny. The
symptoms last 2 weeks, and the lesions heal without scarring.
Erythema multiforme is characterized by macules, papules, vesicles, and bullae. It occurs secondary
to a toxic influence. There may or may not be a prodromal period with a sore throat, diarrhea, and
fever. The lesions are red macules or papules and are seen on the sides of the neck, face, legs,
genitalia, and mucosa membranes. A typical lesion is a "target" or "iris" lesion. The course is
generally 3 - 4 weeks.
Erythema ab igne, often called toasted skin syndrome, occurs secondary to exposure to heat from
flames or heating appliances. The course is generally benign, but may have a potential for malignant
changes. The lesions are red, mottled skin with hypo- or hyperpigmentation. After many years of
constant exposure, hyperkeratotic papules, plaques, and ulcers may occur.
Nummular eczema has round, coin-like (nummular) lesions with a distribution on the extensor
surface of the extremities as well as the poster
Case
A 23-year-old woman comes to the office for a gynecologic examination. This is her first visit, and
she has no complaints. She tells you that she has not had a Pap smear in several years. Her
menarche was at 12 years, and she has had regular cycles since then. She has had several sexual
partners in the past, but has been with her current partner in a monogamous relationship for 1 year.
She reports that she had a chlamydial infection that was treated several years ago, but she denies a
history of other sexually transmitted diseases. She has never been pregnant. On physical
examination, her cervix appears friable with a slight area of ulceration. There are several perineal
and vaginal lesions, which appear as small cauliflower-like projections. The results of the Pap smear,
which return in 1 week, show a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (mild dysplasia, CIN I).
Question
What factor in this patient's - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Condyloma acuminata
Explanation
A Pap smear should be obtained routinely during the pelvic examination at the initial visit. The Pap
smear as a screening test has been extremely successful for the prevention of cervical cancer.
Detection of dysplasia allows for successful treatment and prevention of cancer.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
with Correct Answers | Medical and Clinical Dermatology
Review 2025-2026 LATEST COVERING MOST TESTED
QUESTIONS
The Dermatology Exam Master is designed to test and reinforce knowledge of
skin anatomy, common and rare dermatologic conditions, diagnostic
techniques, and treatment protocols. It covers clinical scenarios involving
infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, neoplasms, and autoimmune skin
conditions. This resource supports preparation for dermatology exams, board
certifications, or medical rotations
Case
A 20-year-old Caucasian woman presents to the hospital with a 2-month history of itchiness of her
scalp. On examination you note greasy yellowish scales on her scalp and eyebrows.
Question
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Hand eczema
B) Seborrheic dermatitis
C) Atopic dermatitis
D) Nummular dermatitis
E) Pompholyx - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Seborrheic dermatitis
Explanation
This patient most probably has seborrheic dermatitis. Itis characterized by greasy scales over the
scalp. It may also be visible along the hairline, on the eyebrows, in the external auditory canals, in
the nasolabial folds, and over the sternum. There may be some pruritus.
Hand eczema is characterized by erythema, dryness, cracking, and edema of the skin of the hands. It
is a chronic condition, which is aggravated by frequent immersion of hands in water and detergents.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by chronic pruritic lesions marked by exacerbations and
remissions. There is a personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, or eczema.
In the acute phase, they may present with erythematous patches, weeping, and crusted plaques. In
,the chronic phase, they present with hyperpigmented lichenified lesions. It commonly affects the
face, neck, wrists, antecubital, and popliteal fossae.
Nummular dermatitis is characterized by chronic coin-shaped, crusted lesions, which are usually
pruritic. They commonly appear on the trunk and extensor surfaces of the extremities, especially the
pretibial areas.
Pompholyx is characterized by scaling and deep-seated vesicles on the palms, fingers, and soles,
which are pruritic. There may also be erythema and scaling.
Case
A 7-year-old boy presents with a 3-day history of intense pruritus on his wrists, fingers, and
antecubital fossae. It began on his fingers and has moved proximally. According to his mother, they
are raised red eruptions and some have scabbed over. She states he has never had this before and it
is keeping him up at night. He recently started at a new school.
Question
What procedure would be most helpful in confirming your diagnosis?
A) Skin scraping with immersion oil
B) Woods lamp inspection
C) Skin scraping with KOH
D) Punch biopsy
E) Skin culture and gram stain - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Skin scraping with immersion oil
Explanation
Skin scraping with immersion oil is the confirmatory test for scabies, which is the most likely
diagnosis.
Wood lamp inspection consists of shining ultraviolet light on the skin, looking for fluorescence
indicative of such diseases as erythrasma, fungal infections, and sclerosis. Skin scraping with KOH is
helpful in diagnosing fungal infections of the skin. Punch biopsies are more invasive, and they are
used for deeper skin lesions. Skin culture and Gram stain are not helpful in the diagnosis of scabies;
they are used for suspected bacterial or fungal infections.
Question
A 23-year-old man presents with unbearable itching in his genital area. The itching increases in
intensity at night. He admits to several recent sexual encounters with different people in the past
,month. Skin exam reveals multiple excoriated papules and burrows with surrounding inflammation.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Tinea cruris
B) Pediculosis pubis
C) Scabies
D) Molluscum contagiosum - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Scabies
Explanation
The CORRECT ANSWER is scabies because intense pruritis, especially at night, with excoriated
papules and characteristic burrows or raised tunnels under the skin are a typical presentation.
Tinea cruris is a fungal infection and can also be intensely pruritic but does not cause the
dermatologic manifestations noted above.
Pediculosis pubis, an arthropod, is another cause of pruritis but does not cause the dermatologic
manifestations noted above, and typically the lice and their nits are seen on examination.
Molluscum contagiosum and HPV are caused by viruses, are not pruritic lesions, and do not present
as excoriated papules with burrows.
Question
A 15-year-old boy presents to the office with his mother with a complaint of constant itching and
burning on his arms and thighs for 2 weeks. His mother admits to giving him acetaminophen without
relief. The patient is taking no other medications. On clinical exam, there are multiple 2-cm wheals
with a few small papules on his thighs and forearms. They are red and slightly raised. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A) Erythema nodosa
B) Erythema multiforme
C) Urticaria
D) Erythema ab igne
E) Nummular eczema - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Urticaria
Explanation
Urticaria is chronic or acute and is characterized by wheals and papules. Itching and prickling
sensations are constant. Both sexes are affected equally, and it's often seen in childhood or teen
years. The presenting areas are the arms, legs, thighs, and waist. The most common cause is an
, allergy to medications, foods, or physical agents. The symptoms usually disappear within 6 months
(acute), but they can last longer (chronic).
Erythema nodosa is an acute inflammatory condition characterized by painful nodules on the
anterior aspect of the legs. It is often symptomatic of a bacterial, viral, or fungal disease or drug
eruption. This occurs most often in women and between the ages of 20 - 30 years. Clinical features
include acute fever, malaise, and joint pain. Lesions are nodular, painful, red, and shiny. The
symptoms last 2 weeks, and the lesions heal without scarring.
Erythema multiforme is characterized by macules, papules, vesicles, and bullae. It occurs secondary
to a toxic influence. There may or may not be a prodromal period with a sore throat, diarrhea, and
fever. The lesions are red macules or papules and are seen on the sides of the neck, face, legs,
genitalia, and mucosa membranes. A typical lesion is a "target" or "iris" lesion. The course is
generally 3 - 4 weeks.
Erythema ab igne, often called toasted skin syndrome, occurs secondary to exposure to heat from
flames or heating appliances. The course is generally benign, but may have a potential for malignant
changes. The lesions are red, mottled skin with hypo- or hyperpigmentation. After many years of
constant exposure, hyperkeratotic papules, plaques, and ulcers may occur.
Nummular eczema has round, coin-like (nummular) lesions with a distribution on the extensor
surface of the extremities as well as the poster
Case
A 23-year-old woman comes to the office for a gynecologic examination. This is her first visit, and
she has no complaints. She tells you that she has not had a Pap smear in several years. Her
menarche was at 12 years, and she has had regular cycles since then. She has had several sexual
partners in the past, but has been with her current partner in a monogamous relationship for 1 year.
She reports that she had a chlamydial infection that was treated several years ago, but she denies a
history of other sexually transmitted diseases. She has never been pregnant. On physical
examination, her cervix appears friable with a slight area of ulceration. There are several perineal
and vaginal lesions, which appear as small cauliflower-like projections. The results of the Pap smear,
which return in 1 week, show a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (mild dysplasia, CIN I).
Question
What factor in this patient's - CORRECT ANSWER-CORRECT ANSWER:
Condyloma acuminata
Explanation
A Pap smear should be obtained routinely during the pelvic examination at the initial visit. The Pap
smear as a screening test has been extremely successful for the prevention of cervical cancer.
Detection of dysplasia allows for successful treatment and prevention of cancer.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
