Dermatology: erythema ab igne: 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 · Dermatology: erythema ab igne

Sample item

An elderly woman who sits by a charcoal brazier has a net-like, brown, telangiectatic pigmentation on the shins. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Erythema ab igne

Erythema ab igne is a reticulate hyperpigmentation caused by chronic exposure to infrared heat, such as from a fire, heating pad or laptop, without actual burns. Removing the heat source usually allows fading. Long-standing lesions carry a small risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

Option by option

  • A. Erythema ab igne (correct)

    Correct. Chronic infrared exposure causes erythema ab igne.

  • B. Stasis dermatitis

    Stasis dermatitis occurs on the medial lower leg with oedema.

  • C. Livedo reticularis from vasculitis

    Livedo reticularis is not related to heat and varies with temperature.

  • D. Poikiloderma of Civatte

    Poikiloderma of Civatte affects the neck and sun-exposed chest.

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 A, Erythema ab igne. Erythema ab igne is a reticulate hyperpigmentation caused by chronic exposure to infrared heat, such as from a fire, heating pad or laptop, without actual burns.

Why is "Stasis dermatitis" not the answer?

Stasis dermatitis occurs on the medial lower leg with oedema.

Why is "Livedo reticularis from vasculitis" not the answer?

Livedo reticularis is not related to heat and varies with temperature.

Why is "Poikiloderma of Civatte" not the answer?

Poikiloderma of Civatte affects the neck and sun-exposed chest.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dermatology: erythema ab igne in Dermatology. Removing the heat source usually allows fading. Long-standing lesions carry a small risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

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 Dermatology: erythema ab igne?

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.