Papulosquamous disorders: infantile atopic dermatitis pattern: 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: infantile atopic dermatitis pattern

Sample item

A 5-month-old has itchy, weepy, crusted erythema of both cheeks and the extensor surfaces of the knees and elbows. The napkin area is clear. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Infantile atopic dermatitis

In infants atopic dermatitis favours the cheeks, scalp and extensor surfaces and characteristically spares the napkin area. Flexural lichenified disease appears later in childhood. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is greasy and non-itchy, and involves flexures and the napkin area.

Option by option

  • A. Napkin psoriasis

    Napkin psoriasis would involve the napkin area.

  • B. Seborrhoeic dermatitis

    Seborrhoeic dermatitis is greasy, little itch, and involves the napkin area and flexures.

  • C. Scabies

    Scabies shows burrows and involves palms, soles and genitals with household itch.

  • D. Infantile atopic dermatitis (correct)

    Correct. Cheek and extensor involvement sparing the napkin area is classic.

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 D, Infantile atopic dermatitis. In infants atopic dermatitis favours the cheeks, scalp and extensor surfaces and characteristically spares the napkin area.

Why is "Napkin psoriasis" not the answer?

Napkin psoriasis would involve the napkin area.

Why is "Seborrhoeic dermatitis" not the answer?

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is greasy, little itch, and involves the napkin area and flexures.

Why is "Scabies" not the answer?

Scabies shows burrows and involves palms, soles and genitals with household itch.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: infantile atopic dermatitis pattern in Dermatology. Flexural lichenified disease appears later in childhood. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is greasy and non-itchy, and involves flexures and the napkin area.

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: infantile atopic dermatitis pattern?

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.