Pigmentary disorders: trichrome vitiligo: 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: trichrome vitiligo

Sample item

A patient with vitiligo has patches with three colours: white, tan and normal brown skin in between. What does this pattern signify?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Intermediate zone of partial depigmentation suggesting a slowly progressing patch

Trichrome vitiligo has a tan intermediate zone between white and normal skin, which indicates a spreading or repigmenting lesion. It is still vitiligo.

Option by option

  • A. Intermediate zone of partial depigmentation suggesting a slowly progressing patch (correct)

    Correct. The tan zone represents partial depigmentation at an active margin.

  • B. Resolved disease

    Trichrome appearance does not mean disease has resolved.

  • C. An incorrect diagnosis of vitiligo

    The pattern is a recognised variant of vitiligo.

  • D. A superimposed fungal infection

    Fungal infection is not the cause of the middle zone.

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 A, Intermediate zone of partial depigmentation suggesting a slowly progressing patch. Trichrome vitiligo has a tan intermediate zone between white and normal skin, which indicates a spreading or repigmenting lesion.

Why is "Resolved disease" not the answer?

Trichrome appearance does not mean disease has resolved.

Why is "An incorrect diagnosis of vitiligo" not the answer?

The pattern is a recognised variant of vitiligo.

Why is "A superimposed fungal infection" not the answer?

Fungal infection is not the cause of the middle zone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: trichrome vitiligo in Dermatology. It is still vitiligo.

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: trichrome vitiligo?

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.