Autoimmune blistering disease: 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 · Autoimmune blistering disease

Sample item

An older adult has widespread tense itchy bullae on normal or erythematous skin, with no significant mucosal involvement. Which diagnosis is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bullous pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid is a subepidermal autoimmune blistering disorder that usually causes tense pruritic bullae in older adults. Pemphigus vulgaris more often causes flaccid blisters and mucosal erosions.

Option by option

  • A. Impetigo

    Impetigo causes superficial crusted erosions rather than widespread tense bullae.

  • B. Bullous pemphigoid (correct)

    Correct. Tense pruritic bullae in an older adult are typical of bullous pemphigoid.

  • C. Pemphigus vulgaris

    Pemphigus vulgaris has fragile flaccid bullae and prominent mucosal disease.

  • D. Epidermolysis bullosa simplex

    Epidermolysis bullosa simplex is an inherited mechanical blistering disorder.

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, Bullous pemphigoid. Bullous pemphigoid is a subepidermal autoimmune blistering disorder that usually causes tense pruritic bullae in older adults.

Why is "Impetigo" not the answer?

Impetigo causes superficial crusted erosions rather than widespread tense bullae.

Why is "Pemphigus vulgaris" not the answer?

Pemphigus vulgaris has fragile flaccid bullae and prominent mucosal disease.

Why is "Epidermolysis bullosa simplex" not the answer?

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex is an inherited mechanical blistering disorder.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Autoimmune blistering disease in Dermatology. Pemphigus vulgaris more often causes flaccid blisters and mucosal erosions.

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 Autoimmune blistering disease?

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.