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Dermatology Flashcards

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  1. The phenomenon where skin trauma induces new disease lesions at injury sites in conditions like psoriasis and lichen planus is called:

    Answer: Koebner phenomenon

    The Koebner phenomenon (isomorphic response) describes the appearance of new disease lesions at sites of cutaneous trauma, occurring in psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, and other conditions.

  2. Nikolsky's sign, in which the epidermis separates with lateral pressure, is characteristically positive in which blistering disorder?

    Answer: Pemphigus vulgaris

    Nikolsky's sign is positive in pemphigus vulgaris because intraepidermal acantholysis from anti-desmoglein antibodies allows lateral pressure to separate the superficial epidermis from deeper layers.

  3. What is the cornerstone of management for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)?

    Answer: Supportive care in a burn unit or ICU

    The cornerstone of SJS management is supportive care—fluid replacement, wound care, nutritional support, and pain management—ideally in a burn unit due to the extent of epidermal detachment.

  4. The malar 'butterfly' rash that spares the nasolabial folds and worsens with sun exposure is most characteristic of which condition?

    Answer: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

    The malar butterfly rash of SLE is photosensitive, involves the cheeks and nasal bridge while sparing the nasolabial folds, and is one of the 11 ACR classification criteria for SLE.

  5. Seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp and face is most closely associated with overgrowth of which organism?

    Answer: Malassezia species

    Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with overgrowth of Malassezia (formerly Pityrosporum) yeasts on sebum-rich areas, which explains the efficacy of antifungal shampoos and topicals.

  6. Which commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication is most frequently associated with drug-induced photosensitivity and increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer?

    Answer: Hydrochlorothiazide

    Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is one of the most common causes of drug-induced photosensitivity and has been linked to increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma and lip cancer with long-term use.

  7. Pemphigus vulgaris is caused by IgG autoantibodies directed against which targets in the epidermis?

    Answer: Desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 on keratinocytes

    Pemphigus vulgaris is caused by IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 and 3 (desmosomal adhesion proteins), leading to intraepidermal acantholysis and flaccid blisters with prominent mucosal involvement.