Papulosquamous disorders: causes of erythroderma: 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 · Papulosquamous disorders: causes of erythroderma

Sample item

In adults, which group of causes accounts for the largest share of erythroderma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pre-existing dermatoses such as psoriasis and eczema

Erythroderma, with erythema and scaling over more than 90 percent of the body, most commonly arises from an existing dermatosis such as psoriasis or atopic or other eczema. Drugs and lymphoma account for smaller shares, and a fraction stay idiopathic. This is why prior skin history is the first clue.

Option by option

  • A. Drug reactions only

    Drugs are a significant but not the commonest cause.

  • B. Idiopathic cases only

    Idiopathic cases are a minority.

  • C. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

    Lymphoma is an important but smaller cause.

  • D. Pre-existing dermatoses such as psoriasis and eczema (correct)

    Correct. Existing dermatoses lead the causes.

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 D, Pre-existing dermatoses such as psoriasis and eczema. Erythroderma, with erythema and scaling over more than 90 percent of the body, most commonly arises from an existing dermatosis such as psoriasis or atopic or other eczema.

Why is "Drug reactions only" not the answer?

Drugs are a significant but not the commonest cause.

Why is "Idiopathic cases only" not the answer?

Idiopathic cases are a minority.

Why is "Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma" not the answer?

Lymphoma is an important but smaller cause.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: causes of erythroderma in Dermatology. Drugs and lymphoma account for smaller shares, and a fraction stay idiopathic. This is why prior skin history is the first clue.

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 Papulosquamous disorders: causes of erythroderma?

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.