Papulosquamous disorders: dermatitis artefacta: 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: dermatitis artefacta

Sample item

A 19-year-old woman presents with bizarre linear and geometric ulcers on the left forearm with sharp margins and healthy surrounding skin. She denies any cause. Which approach is best?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Supportive, non-confrontational care with psychological referral

Dermatitis artefacta is self-inflicted skin injury, with bizarre angular lesions on easily reached areas and a denied history. Non-confrontational support, occlusive dressings and psychiatric or psychological help are the cornerstone. Confrontation tends to break the relationship.

Option by option

  • A. Supportive, non-confrontational care with psychological referral (correct)

    Correct. Supportive care with psychological referral is appropriate.

  • B. Wide excision with grafting

    Surgery is inappropriate.

  • C. High-dose systemic steroids

    Steroids treat no underlying disease.

  • D. Accuse her and demand a confession

    Confrontation damages trust and rarely helps.

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, Supportive, non-confrontational care with psychological referral. Dermatitis artefacta is self-inflicted skin injury, with bizarre angular lesions on easily reached areas and a denied history.

Why is "Wide excision with grafting" not the answer?

Surgery is inappropriate.

Why is "High-dose systemic steroids" not the answer?

Steroids treat no underlying disease.

Why is "Accuse her and demand a confession" not the answer?

Confrontation damages trust and rarely helps.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: dermatitis artefacta in Dermatology. Non-confrontational support, occlusive dressings and psychiatric or psychological help are the cornerstone. Confrontation tends to break the relationship.

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: dermatitis artefacta?

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.