Alopecia areata: 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.

Try it

Dermatology · Alopecia areata

Sample item

Smooth patchy nonscarring hair loss suggests what?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Alopecia areata

This item reviews Alopecia areata; Alopecia areata is the single best answer because it matches the clinical pattern described.

Option by option

  • A. Alopecia areata (correct)

    Correct. Alopecia areata directly fits the key features in the stem.

  • B. Androgenetic pattern only

    Androgenetic pattern only is not supported by the defining findings.

  • C. Tinea capitis only

    Tinea capitis only does not match the stated presentation.

  • D. Scarring lupus

    Scarring lupus is a plausible alternative but not the best answer here.

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, Alopecia areata. This item reviews Alopecia areata; Alopecia areata is the single best answer because it matches the clinical pattern described.

Why is "Androgenetic pattern only" not the answer?

Androgenetic pattern only is not supported by the defining findings.

Why is "Tinea capitis only" not the answer?

Tinea capitis only does not match the stated presentation.

Why is "Scarring lupus" not the answer?

Scarring lupus is a plausible alternative but not the best answer here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Alopecia areata in Dermatology. The correct option holds because: Correct. Alopecia areata directly fits the key features in the stem.

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 Alopecia areata?

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.