Pigmentary disorders: topical calcineurin inhibitors in vitiligo: 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: topical calcineurin inhibitors in vitiligo

Sample item

An alternative to topical steroids for facial and neck vitiligo, which avoids skin atrophy, is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Topical tacrolimus 0.1 percent

Topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus inhibit calcineurin and are used for vitiligo on the face and neck, where steroids risk atrophy. Sun exposure on the lesions may improve the response. They are steroid-sparing and also used in atopic dermatitis.

Option by option

  • A. Topical zinc oxide

    Zinc oxide is a barrier agent.

  • B. Topical tacrolimus 0.1 percent (correct)

    Correct. Topical tacrolimus is a steroid-sparing option.

  • C. Topical mupirocin

    Mupirocin is an antibiotic.

  • D. Topical benzoyl peroxide

    Benzoyl peroxide is an acne agent.

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 B, Topical tacrolimus 0.1 percent. Topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus inhibit calcineurin and are used for vitiligo on the face and neck, where steroids risk atrophy.

Why is "Topical zinc oxide" not the answer?

Zinc oxide is a barrier agent.

Why is "Topical mupirocin" not the answer?

Mupirocin is an antibiotic.

Why is "Topical benzoyl peroxide" not the answer?

Benzoyl peroxide is an acne agent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: topical calcineurin inhibitors in vitiligo in Dermatology. Sun exposure on the lesions may improve the response. They are steroid-sparing and also used in atopic dermatitis.

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 Pigmentary disorders: topical calcineurin inhibitors in vitiligo?

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.