Pigmentary disorders: naevus depigmentosus: 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.

Try it

Dermatology · Pigmentary disorders: naevus depigmentosus

Sample item

A 3-year-old has a well-defined, stable, hypopigmented patch on the trunk present since birth, with normal sensation and no leukotrichia. Its size has grown only in proportion to the child. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Naevus depigmentosus

Naevus depigmentosus is a congenital, stable, hypopigmented (not depigmented) patch with normal sensation, often with an irregular serrated border. Wood lamp shows less contrast than vitiligo. It does not progress, and treatment is generally not required.

Option by option

  • A. Vitiligo

    Vitiligo is acquired and depigmented with progression.

  • B. Pityriasis alba

    Pityriasis alba is scaly and occurs on the faces of atopic children.

  • C. Tuberculoid leprosy

    Tuberculoid leprosy shows sensory loss.

  • D. Naevus depigmentosus (correct)

    Correct. A stable congenital hypopigmented patch is naevus depigmentosus.

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.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Naevus depigmentosus. Naevus depigmentosus is a congenital, stable, hypopigmented (not depigmented) patch with normal sensation, often with an irregular serrated border.

Why is "Vitiligo" not the answer?

Vitiligo is acquired and depigmented with progression.

Why is "Pityriasis alba" not the answer?

Pityriasis alba is scaly and occurs on the faces of atopic children.

Why is "Tuberculoid leprosy" not the answer?

Tuberculoid leprosy shows sensory loss.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: naevus depigmentosus in Dermatology. Wood lamp shows less contrast than vitiligo. It does not progress, and treatment is generally not required.

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 Pigmentary disorders: naevus depigmentosus?

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.