Dermatology Flashcards
7 cards from real SPEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Dermatology flashcards as text
What is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults?
Answer: Topical corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, directly reducing skin inflammation and pruritus.
Which skin cancer has the highest mortality rate despite representing a smaller percentage of all skin cancer cases?
Answer: Melanoma
Melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its high metastatic potential, despite being less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
The characteristic rash of Lyme disease, erythema migrans, is best described as which pattern?
Answer: Bull's-eye (target) pattern expanding from bite site
Erythema migrans presents as a bull's-eye or target pattern that expands outward from the tick bite site, representing the hallmark early sign of Lyme disease.
Which oral medication for severe acne vulgaris reduces sebum production but is highly teratogenic, requiring the iPLEDGE program?
Answer: Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a vitamin A derivative that reduces sebum production by shrinking sebaceous glands and is teratogenic, requiring monthly pregnancy tests under the iPLEDGE program.
Which histological finding is considered the hallmark of psoriasis?
Answer: Regular acanthosis with elongated rete ridges and parakeratosis
Psoriasis is characterized histologically by regular acanthosis, elongation of rete ridges, parakeratosis, and Munro microabscesses due to keratinocyte hyperproliferation.
Which diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for identifying allergic contact dermatitis?
Answer: Patch testing
Patch testing is the gold standard for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, exposing the skin to potential allergens under occlusion for 48 hours to identify specific triggers.
A Tzanck smear showing multinucleated giant cells is diagnostic of which infection?
Answer: Herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus infection
A Tzanck smear showing multinucleated giant cells (Tzanck cells) indicates herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus infection, though it cannot distinguish between the two.