Drug reactions: bleomycin pigmentation: 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 · Drug reactions: bleomycin pigmentation

Sample item

A patient on chemotherapy develops linear, whip-like hyperpigmented streaks on the trunk after scratching. Which drug is the likely cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bleomycin

Bleomycin causes flagellate hyperpigmentation, probably from localised inflammation and trauma-induced deposition. It resolves slowly. Flagellate erythema also occurs in shiitake mushroom dermatitis.

Option by option

  • A. Methotrexate

    Methotrexate causes mucositis and photosensitivity.

  • B. Bleomycin (correct)

    Correct. Flagellate pigmentation is characteristic of bleomycin.

  • C. Cyclophosphamide

    Cyclophosphamide causes alopecia and haemorrhagic cystitis.

  • D. Vincristine

    Vincristine causes neuropathy.

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, Bleomycin. Bleomycin causes flagellate hyperpigmentation, probably from localised inflammation and trauma-induced deposition.

Why is "Methotrexate" not the answer?

Methotrexate causes mucositis and photosensitivity.

Why is "Cyclophosphamide" not the answer?

Cyclophosphamide causes alopecia and haemorrhagic cystitis.

Why is "Vincristine" not the answer?

Vincristine causes neuropathy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Drug reactions: bleomycin pigmentation in Dermatology. It resolves slowly. Flagellate erythema also occurs in shiitake mushroom dermatitis.

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 Drug reactions: bleomycin pigmentation?

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.