Papulosquamous disorders: lichen striatus: 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 striatus

Sample item

A 4-year-old girl has an asymptomatic band of small flat-topped pink papules running down the left leg along a line, appearing over a week. What is the best advice?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Self-limiting; reassure and treat symptoms only

Lichen striatus is a self-limiting linear eruption following Blaschko lines in children, usually resolving over months to a year. A topical steroid may help if itchy. Residual hypopigmentation can persist and fades with time.

Option by option

  • A. Excise the band

    Excision is unnecessary and leaves a scar.

  • B. Start oral griseofulvin

    Griseofulvin treats tinea, which does not produce a Blaschko-linear papular band.

  • C. Self-limiting; reassure and treat symptoms only (correct)

    Correct. Lichen striatus is self-limiting and needs reassurance.

  • D. Begin methotrexate

    Methotrexate is unwarranted for a benign self-limiting dermatosis.

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.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Self-limiting; reassure and treat symptoms only. Lichen striatus is a self-limiting linear eruption following Blaschko lines in children, usually resolving over months to a year.

Why is "Excise the band" not the answer?

Excision is unnecessary and leaves a scar.

Why is "Start oral griseofulvin" not the answer?

Griseofulvin treats tinea, which does not produce a Blaschko-linear papular band.

Why is "Begin methotrexate" not the answer?

Methotrexate is unwarranted for a benign self-limiting dermatosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: lichen striatus in Dermatology. A topical steroid may help if itchy. Residual hypopigmentation can persist and fades with time.

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 striatus?

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.