Pigmentary disorders: nevus of Ota: 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 · Pigmentary disorders: nevus of Ota

Sample item

An Asian woman has a unilateral blue-grey patch over the periorbital area and cheek with pigmentation of the sclera. Which treatment is effective?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Nevus of Ota is dermal melanocytosis in the ophthalmic and maxillary trigeminal distribution. Its deep pigment responds to Q-switched lasers through selective photothermolysis, while topical bleaching creams fail.

Option by option

  • A. Topical hydroquinone alone

    Hydroquinone acts on epidermal pigment and does not reach the dermis.

  • B. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen

    Cryotherapy would cause scarring and dyspigmentation.

  • C. Oral isotretinoin

    Isotretinoin is used for acne.

  • D. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (correct)

    Correct. Q-switched lasers target dermal melanin.

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, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Nevus of Ota is dermal melanocytosis in the ophthalmic and maxillary trigeminal distribution.

Why is "Topical hydroquinone alone" not the answer?

Hydroquinone acts on epidermal pigment and does not reach the dermis.

Why is "Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen" not the answer?

Cryotherapy would cause scarring and dyspigmentation.

Why is "Oral isotretinoin" not the answer?

Isotretinoin is used for acne.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: nevus of Ota in Dermatology. Its deep pigment responds to Q-switched lasers through selective photothermolysis, while topical bleaching creams fail.

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 Pigmentary disorders: nevus of Ota?

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.