Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus nail change: 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 · Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus nail change

Sample item

Which nail change is considered characteristic of lichen planus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Dorsal pterygium

Dorsal pterygium is the forward growth of the cuticle that splits and fuses the nail fold with the nail bed. It follows matrix scarring and is typical of lichen planus. Oil drop sign and pitting point to psoriasis.

Option by option

  • A. Dorsal pterygium (correct)

    Correct. Pterygium is a hallmark nail sign of lichen planus.

  • B. Oil drop discoloration

    Oil drop discoloration is a psoriatic nail sign.

  • C. Pitting with salmon-patch change

    Pitting is typical of psoriasis and alopecia areata.

  • D. Beau lines only

    Beau lines are transverse grooves from temporary matrix arrest.

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, Dorsal pterygium. Dorsal pterygium is the forward growth of the cuticle that splits and fuses the nail fold with the nail bed.

Why is "Oil drop discoloration" not the answer?

Oil drop discoloration is a psoriatic nail sign.

Why is "Pitting with salmon-patch change" not the answer?

Pitting is typical of psoriasis and alopecia areata.

Why is "Beau lines only" not the answer?

Beau lines are transverse grooves from temporary matrix arrest.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus nail change in Dermatology. It follows matrix scarring and is typical of lichen planus. Oil drop sign and pitting point to psoriasis.

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: lichen planus nail change?

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.