Infections: tinea cruris versus candidal intertrigo: 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 · Infections: tinea cruris versus candidal intertrigo

Sample item

A man has a red, sharply marginated, scaly plaque with an active edge in both groins. The scrotum looks normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Tinea cruris

Tinea cruris classically spares the scrotum and has an advancing scaly edge with central clearing. Candidal intertrigo often involves the scrotum and shows satellite pustules and a moist, beefy red base. KOH of the edge scraping shows septate hyphae.

Option by option

  • A. Erythrasma

    Erythrasma is a flat, brown, finely scaling patch without an active edge.

  • B. Tinea cruris (correct)

    Correct. A scaly active margin with scrotal sparing points to a dermatophyte.

  • C. Candidal intertrigo

    Candidal intertrigo usually involves the scrotum and shows satellite lesions.

  • D. Contact dermatitis from underwear

    Contact dermatitis lacks a raised annular active edge.

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, Tinea cruris. Tinea cruris classically spares the scrotum and has an advancing scaly edge with central clearing.

Why is "Erythrasma" not the answer?

Erythrasma is a flat, brown, finely scaling patch without an active edge.

Why is "Candidal intertrigo" not the answer?

Candidal intertrigo usually involves the scrotum and shows satellite lesions.

Why is "Contact dermatitis from underwear" not the answer?

Contact dermatitis lacks a raised annular active edge.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: tinea cruris versus candidal intertrigo in Dermatology. Candidal intertrigo often involves the scrotum and shows satellite pustules and a moist, beefy red base. KOH of the edge scraping shows septate hyphae.

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 Infections: tinea cruris versus candidal intertrigo?

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.