Leprosy: predilection sites: 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 · Leprosy: predilection sites

Sample item

Which of the following sites is characteristically spared by leprosy lesions because of its higher temperature?

AEar lobesBDorsum of hands and feetCFace and buttocks onlyDAxilla, scalp, groin and mid-back

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Axilla, scalp, groin and mid-back

M. leprae prefers cooler tissues around 27 to 30 degrees C, so it favours the face, ears, extensor limbs, superficial nerves and buttocks. Warmer areas such as the axilla, scalp, groin, perineum and mid-back are relatively spared.

Option by option

A. Ear lobes
Ear lobes are cooler and are frequently infiltrated in lepromatous leprosy.
B. Dorsum of hands and feet
The dorsum of hands and feet are cooler and commonly involved.
C. Face and buttocks only
The face and buttocks are commonly involved.
D. Axilla, scalp, groin and mid-back (correct)
Correct. Warm, protected areas are spared.

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.

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Axilla, scalp, groin and mid-back. M.

Why is "Ear lobes" not the answer?

Ear lobes are cooler and are frequently infiltrated in lepromatous leprosy.

Why is "Dorsum of hands and feet" not the answer?

The dorsum of hands and feet are cooler and commonly involved.

Why is "Face and buttocks only" not the answer?

The face and buttocks are commonly involved.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: predilection sites in Dermatology. leprae prefers cooler tissues around 27 to 30 degrees C, so it favours the face, ears, extensor limbs, superficial nerves and buttocks. Warmer areas such as the axilla, scalp, groin, perineum and mid-back are relatively spared.

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 Leprosy: predilection sites?

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.