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Dermatologic Conditions & Diseases Flashcards

7 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which condition is characterized by loss of melanocytes, resulting in well-demarcated depigmented patches?

    Answer: Vitiligo

    Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where melanocytes are destroyed, causing sharply defined depigmented (not just hypopigmented) macules and patches.

  2. A patient presents with grouped vesicles on an erythematous base in a dermatomal distribution on the trunk. What is the causative organism?

    Answer: Varicella-zoster virus

    Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in dorsal root ganglia, producing a painful dermatomal vesicular eruption.

  3. The ABCDE criteria for evaluating pigmented lesions include all of the following EXCEPT:

    Answer: Depth of invasion

    The ABCDE criteria stand for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, and Evolution — depth of invasion is not part of this clinical screening tool.

  4. Which type of skin cancer most commonly arises from hair follicles and presents as a pearly, translucent nodule with rolled borders and telangiectasia?

    Answer: Basal cell carcinoma

    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arises from basal cells of the epidermis and pilosebaceous units, classically presenting as a pearly nodule with rolled edges and surface telangiectasia.

  5. Pityriasis rosea classically begins with which primary lesion?

    Answer: A single large 'herald patch' on the trunk

    Pityriasis rosea typically starts with a solitary 'herald patch' — a large oval scaly plaque — followed 1-2 weeks later by smaller daughter lesions in a Christmas tree distribution.

  6. Which autoimmune blistering disorder is characterized by IgG autoantibodies targeting desmoglein 3 (and sometimes desmoglein 1)?

    Answer: Pemphigus vulgaris

    Pemphigus vulgaris involves IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 (mucosal) and desmoglein 1 (cutaneous), disrupting keratinocyte adhesion and causing intraepidermal blisters.

  7. A teenager presents with comedones, inflammatory papules, and pustules on the face. Which organism plays a key role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris?

    Answer: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes)

    Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is an anaerobic gram-positive bacterium that colonizes sebaceous follicles and contributes to inflammation in acne vulgaris.