Vesiculobullous disorders: hydroa vacciniforme: 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 · Vesiculobullous disorders: hydroa vacciniforme

Sample item

A 7-year-old boy develops tense, umbilicated vesicles on the cheeks, nose and ears after each sunny season. They crust and heal with pock-like scars. Porphyrin levels are normal. Which virus is linked to the severe form of this disease?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Epstein-Barr virus

Hydroa vacciniforme is a rare photosensitive blistering disease of childhood with varioliform scarring. Chronic EBV infection of T cells is linked to its severe form, and normal porphyrins separate it from porphyria.

Option by option

  • A. Parvovirus B19

    Parvovirus B19 causes slapped-cheek erythema and papular purpuric gloves and socks.

  • B. Epstein-Barr virus (correct)

    Correct. EBV is linked to the severe form of hydroa vacciniforme.

  • C. Varicella zoster virus

    VZV causes dermatomal zoster or generalised chickenpox.

  • D. Herpes simplex virus 1

    HSV-1 gives recurrent grouped vesicles at one site, not photo-triggered pock scars.

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, Epstein-Barr virus. Hydroa vacciniforme is a rare photosensitive blistering disease of childhood with varioliform scarring.

Why is "Parvovirus B19" not the answer?

Parvovirus B19 causes slapped-cheek erythema and papular purpuric gloves and socks.

Why is "Varicella zoster virus" not the answer?

VZV causes dermatomal zoster or generalised chickenpox.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus 1" not the answer?

HSV-1 gives recurrent grouped vesicles at one site, not photo-triggered pock scars.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vesiculobullous disorders: hydroa vacciniforme in Dermatology. Chronic EBV infection of T cells is linked to its severe form, and normal porphyrins separate it from porphyria.

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 Vesiculobullous disorders: hydroa vacciniforme?

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.