Infections: tinea faciei: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infections: tinea faciei

Sample item

A child has an annular scaly, mildly itchy plaque with a raised edge on the cheek that worsens after sun exposure. KOH is positive. What is the diagnosis and treatment?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Tinea faciei, treated with a topical antifungal such as terbinafine or clotrimazole

Tinea faciei is dermatophyte infection of the face, often with less typical morphology and photo-aggravation, which can mimic lupus or eczema. Topical steroids worsen it. Topical antifungals for 2 to 4 weeks usually cure it, with oral therapy if extensive.

Option by option

  • A. Impetigo, treated with oral antivirals

    Impetigo is bacterial and not treated with antivirals.

  • B. Tinea faciei, treated with a topical antifungal such as terbinafine or clotrimazole (correct)

    Correct. Positive KOH confirms tinea faciei, which is treated topically.

  • C. Pityriasis alba, treated with antifungals

    Pityriasis alba is KOH negative.

  • D. Lupus erythematosus, treated with steroids

    Lupus is not KOH positive.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Tinea faciei, treated with a topical antifungal such as terbinafine or clotrimazole. Tinea faciei is dermatophyte infection of the face, often with less typical morphology and photo-aggravation, which can mimic lupus or eczema.

Why is "Impetigo, treated with oral antivirals" not the answer?

Impetigo is bacterial and not treated with antivirals.

Why is "Pityriasis alba, treated with antifungals" not the answer?

Pityriasis alba is KOH negative.

Why is "Lupus erythematosus, treated with steroids" not the answer?

Lupus is not KOH positive.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: tinea faciei in Dermatology. Topical steroids worsen it. Topical antifungals for 2 to 4 weeks usually cure it, with oral therapy if extensive.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: tinea faciei?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.