Papulosquamous disorders: notalgia paraesthetica: 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: notalgia paraesthetica

Sample item

A 50-year-old has a persistent itchy hyperpigmented patch below the left scapula without a primary rash. Which condition is suspected?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Notalgia paraesthetica

Notalgia paraesthetica is a neuropathic itch of the interscapular area, attributed to entrapment of dorsal rami of the T2 to T6 nerves. Hyperpigmentation is secondary to rubbing. Treatment includes capsaicin, gabapentin and physiotherapy.

Option by option

  • A. Tinea versicolor

    Pityriasis versicolor has fine scale and yellow fluorescence and is less pruritic.

  • B. Notalgia paraesthetica (correct)

    Correct. A unilateral itchy interscapular patch fits notalgia paraesthetica.

  • C. Lichen amyloidosis

    Lichen amyloidosis shows rippled papules on shins.

  • D. Pityriasis rosea

    Pityriasis rosea has a herald patch and Christmas tree distribution.

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 B, Notalgia paraesthetica. Notalgia paraesthetica is a neuropathic itch of the interscapular area, attributed to entrapment of dorsal rami of the T2 to T6 nerves.

Why is "Tinea versicolor" not the answer?

Pityriasis versicolor has fine scale and yellow fluorescence and is less pruritic.

Why is "Lichen amyloidosis" not the answer?

Lichen amyloidosis shows rippled papules on shins.

Why is "Pityriasis rosea" not the answer?

Pityriasis rosea has a herald patch and Christmas tree distribution.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: notalgia paraesthetica in Dermatology. Hyperpigmentation is secondary to rubbing. Treatment includes capsaicin, gabapentin and physiotherapy.

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: notalgia paraesthetica?

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.