DPM Dermatological Conditions of the Foot 3

Question 1

A patient presents with painful grouped vesicles on one side of the foot following the dermatome. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Herpes zoster

Answer

Herpes zoster presents with painful grouped vesicles in a dermatomal distribution caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus.

Question 2

Which finding distinguishes a soft corn (heloma molle) from a hard corn (heloma durum)?

Accepted Answer

Maceration from moisture between toes vs. dry appearance

Answer

Soft corns occur in moist interdigital spaces and appear macerated and white, while hard corns on toe prominences remain dry.

Question 3

Erythrasma of the toe webs is caused by which organism?

Accepted Answer

Corynebacterium minutissimum

Answer

Erythrasma is a superficial bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, which fluoresces coral-red under Wood's lamp.

Question 4

A patient has recurrent, intensely pruritic vesicles on the lateral aspects of the toes and the instep. No fungal elements are found on KOH prep. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx)

Answer

Dyshidrotic eczema presents with deep-seated, pruritic vesicles on the lateral toes and instep with a negative KOH preparation.

Question 5

What is the most appropriate initial treatment for a Grade 1 pressure ulcer on the heel of a bedridden patient?

Accepted Answer

Offloading and moisture barrier cream

Answer

Grade 1 pressure ulcers show intact skin with non-blanchable erythema and are managed with pressure offloading and skin protection.

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

DPM Dermatological Conditions of the Foot 3