Papulosquamous: phrynoderma: 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.

Try it

Dermatology · Papulosquamous: phrynoderma

Sample item

A child with chronic fat malabsorption has dry, rough, horny follicular papules on the extensor limbs and difficulty seeing in dim light. Which deficiency explains both?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Vitamin A

Phrynoderma (toad skin) is follicular hyperkeratosis from vitamin A deficiency, and night blindness reflects loss of retinal rhodopsin function. Deficiency also causes xerophthalmia and Bitot spots. Treatment is vitamin A replacement.

Option by option

  • A. Vitamin A (correct)

    Correct. Follicular hyperkeratosis with night blindness indicates vitamin A deficiency.

  • B. Vitamin E

    Vitamin E deficiency gives neuropathy and ataxia.

  • C. Vitamin C

    Vitamin C deficiency gives perifollicular haemorrhage.

  • D. Niacin

    Niacin deficiency gives pellagra.

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, Vitamin A. Phrynoderma (toad skin) is follicular hyperkeratosis from vitamin A deficiency, and night blindness reflects loss of retinal rhodopsin function.

Why is "Vitamin E" not the answer?

Vitamin E deficiency gives neuropathy and ataxia.

Why is "Vitamin C" not the answer?

Vitamin C deficiency gives perifollicular haemorrhage.

Why is "Niacin" not the answer?

Niacin deficiency gives pellagra.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous: phrynoderma in Dermatology. Deficiency also causes xerophthalmia and Bitot spots. Treatment is vitamin A replacement.

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 Papulosquamous: phrynoderma?

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.