Nail disorders: trachyonychia: 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 · Nail disorders: trachyonychia

Sample item

A child has roughened, sandpaper-like, brittle nails on all twenty nails. Which conditions are associated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Alopecia areata, lichen planus and psoriasis

Trachyonychia, or twenty-nail dystrophy, produces rough longitudinally ridged nails and is associated with alopecia areata, lichen planus and psoriasis, although many cases are idiopathic. It is often self-resolving in childhood. Treatment is usually not required.

Option by option

  • A. Hypothyroidism only

    Hypothyroidism is not the classic association.

  • B. Pellagra

    Pellagra causes photosensitive dermatitis.

  • C. Alopecia areata, lichen planus and psoriasis (correct)

    Correct. These inflammatory conditions are associated with trachyonychia.

  • D. Liver cirrhosis only

    Cirrhosis causes Terry nails.

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, Alopecia areata, lichen planus and psoriasis. Trachyonychia, or twenty-nail dystrophy, produces rough longitudinally ridged nails and is associated with alopecia areata, lichen planus and psoriasis, although many cases are idiopathic.

Why is "Hypothyroidism only" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism is not the classic association.

Why is "Pellagra" not the answer?

Pellagra causes photosensitive dermatitis.

Why is "Liver cirrhosis only" not the answer?

Cirrhosis causes Terry nails.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nail disorders: trachyonychia in Dermatology. It is often self-resolving in childhood. Treatment is usually not required.

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 Nail disorders: trachyonychia?

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.