Psoriasis: 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 · Psoriasis

Sample item

A patient has sharply demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale on the extensor elbows and scalp, plus nail pitting. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Chronic plaque psoriasis

Chronic plaque psoriasis commonly affects extensor surfaces and scalp and may involve the nails. It is an immune-mediated disease with systemic associations including psoriatic arthritis.

Option by option

  • A. Urticaria

    Urticaria causes transient wheals rather than fixed scaly plaques.

  • B. Seborrheic dermatitis

    Seborrheic dermatitis favors greasy scale in seborrheic areas.

  • C. Chronic plaque psoriasis (correct)

    Correct. Extensor plaques, silvery scale, and nail pitting are characteristic.

  • D. Tinea versicolor

    Tinea versicolor causes hypo- or hyperpigmented finely scaling patches.

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 C, Chronic plaque psoriasis. Chronic plaque psoriasis commonly affects extensor surfaces and scalp and may involve the nails.

Why is "Urticaria" not the answer?

Urticaria causes transient wheals rather than fixed scaly plaques.

Why is "Seborrheic dermatitis" not the answer?

Seborrheic dermatitis favors greasy scale in seborrheic areas.

Why is "Tinea versicolor" not the answer?

Tinea versicolor causes hypo- or hyperpigmented finely scaling patches.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psoriasis in Dermatology. It is an immune-mediated disease with systemic associations including psoriatic arthritis.

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 Psoriasis?

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.