Papulosquamous disorders: chronic hand eczema: 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: chronic hand eczema

Sample item

A mason with severe chronic hand eczema persisting for over a year fails potent topical steroids and avoidance advice. Which oral drug is specifically indicated for severe chronic hand eczema?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Alitretinoin

Alitretinoin, an oral retinoid, is licensed for severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical steroids. It is teratogenic and needs the same pregnancy precautions as other retinoids. Cyclosporine and phototherapy are other options.

Option by option

  • A. Alitretinoin (correct)

    Correct. Alitretinoin is indicated for severe refractory chronic hand eczema.

  • B. Griseofulvin

    Griseofulvin treats dermatophytosis.

  • C. Itraconazole

    Itraconazole is an antifungal.

  • D. Doxycycline

    Doxycycline does not treat hand eczema.

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 A, Alitretinoin. Alitretinoin, an oral retinoid, is licensed for severe chronic hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical steroids.

Why is "Griseofulvin" not the answer?

Griseofulvin treats dermatophytosis.

Why is "Itraconazole" not the answer?

Itraconazole is an antifungal.

Why is "Doxycycline" not the answer?

Doxycycline does not treat hand eczema.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: chronic hand eczema in Dermatology. It is teratogenic and needs the same pregnancy precautions as other retinoids. Cyclosporine and phototherapy are other options.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: chronic hand eczema?

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.