Pigmentary disorders: erythema dyschromicum perstans: 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 · Pigmentary disorders: erythema dyschromicum perstans

Sample item

A 28-year-old has multiple oval ash-grey macules on the trunk and limbs, some with a thin erythematous raised rim in early lesions, over 8 months with no itch. Which drug has been used for treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Clofazimine

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (ashy dermatosis) causes slate-grey macules with an inflammatory rim in early lesions in skin of colour. It resembles lichen planus pigmentosus and is thought to be a lichenoid reaction. Clofazimine and dapsone have been used with variable benefit.

Option by option

  • A. Isotretinoin

    Isotretinoin is not a standard therapy.

  • B. Clofazimine (correct)

    Correct. Clofazimine has been used for ashy dermatosis.

  • C. Methotrexate

    Methotrexate is not first-line for this condition.

  • D. Griseofulvin

    Griseofulvin does not help.

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, Clofazimine. Erythema dyschromicum perstans (ashy dermatosis) causes slate-grey macules with an inflammatory rim in early lesions in skin of colour.

Why is "Isotretinoin" not the answer?

Isotretinoin is not a standard therapy.

Why is "Methotrexate" not the answer?

Methotrexate is not first-line for this condition.

Why is "Griseofulvin" not the answer?

Griseofulvin does not help.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: erythema dyschromicum perstans in Dermatology. It resembles lichen planus pigmentosus and is thought to be a lichenoid reaction. Clofazimine and dapsone have been used with variable benefit.

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: erythema dyschromicum perstans?

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.