Metabolic skin signs: eruptive xanthomas: 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 · Metabolic skin signs: eruptive xanthomas

Sample item

A man with poorly controlled diabetes develops crops of 2 to 4 mm yellow papules with erythematous halos on the buttocks and extensor limbs over 2 weeks. Which test is the priority?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Fasting lipid profile for triglycerides

Eruptive xanthomas indicate severe hypertriglyceridaemia, often above 1000 mg per dL, as in uncontrolled diabetes or familial hyperchylomicronaemia. They carry a risk of acute pancreatitis. Treatment is glycaemic control, diet and fibrates.

Option by option

  • A. Fasting lipid profile for triglycerides (correct)

    Correct. A lipid profile is the priority because eruptive xanthomas indicate high triglycerides.

  • B. Skin KOH examination

    KOH is for fungal infection.

  • C. Serum ANA

    ANA is for connective tissue disease.

  • D. Patch test

    Patch tests assess contact allergy.

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, Fasting lipid profile for triglycerides. Eruptive xanthomas indicate severe hypertriglyceridaemia, often above 1000 mg per dL, as in uncontrolled diabetes or familial hyperchylomicronaemia.

Why is "Skin KOH examination" not the answer?

KOH is for fungal infection.

Why is "Serum ANA" not the answer?

ANA is for connective tissue disease.

Why is "Patch test" not the answer?

Patch tests assess contact allergy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Metabolic skin signs: eruptive xanthomas in Dermatology. They carry a risk of acute pancreatitis. Treatment is glycaemic control, diet and fibrates.

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 Metabolic skin signs: eruptive xanthomas?

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.