Viral infection: 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 · Viral infection

Sample item

What rash pattern is typical of herpes zoster?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Painful dermatomal vesicles

Herpes zoster reactivation in a sensory ganglion causes painful grouped vesicles in a unilateral dermatomal distribution that usually does not cross midline.

Option by option

  • A. Painless generalized scaling

    Generalized scale is not the usual zoster pattern.

  • B. Subcutaneous nodule

    Subcutaneous nodule is not a zoster lesion.

  • C. Symmetric joint pain

    Joint pain alone does not define zoster.

  • D. Painful dermatomal vesicles (correct)

    Correct: unilateral painful dermatomal vesicles indicate zoster.

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.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Painful dermatomal vesicles. Herpes zoster reactivation in a sensory ganglion causes painful grouped vesicles in a unilateral dermatomal distribution that usually does not cross midline.

Why is "Painless generalized scaling" not the answer?

Generalized scale is not the usual zoster pattern.

Why is "Subcutaneous nodule" not the answer?

Subcutaneous nodule is not a zoster lesion.

Why is "Symmetric joint pain" not the answer?

Joint pain alone does not define zoster.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infection in Dermatology. The correct option holds because: Correct: unilateral painful dermatomal vesicles indicate zoster.

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 Viral infection?

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.