Scabies: 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 · Scabies

Sample item

Which topical treatment is commonly first-line for uncomplicated scabies in adults and children older than two months?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Permethrin 5% cream

Permethrin 5% cream is a standard first-line scabicide; it is applied to the appropriate skin surface and close contacts require assessment and coordinated treatment to prevent reinfestation.

Option by option

  • A. Hydrocortisone alone

    Hydrocortisone may reduce itch but cannot eliminate the infestation alone.

  • B. Clotrimazole shampoo

    Clotrimazole treats fungal disease and does not eradicate scabies mites.

  • C. Topical acyclovir

    Topical acyclovir is used for herpesvirus infections, not mite infestation.

  • D. Permethrin 5% cream (correct)

    Correct: permethrin 5% is a common first-line scabies treatment.

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 D, Permethrin 5% cream. Permethrin 5% cream is a standard first-line scabicide; it is applied to the appropriate skin surface and close contacts require assessment and coordinated treatment to prevent reinfestation.

Why is "Hydrocortisone alone" not the answer?

Hydrocortisone may reduce itch but cannot eliminate the infestation alone.

Why is "Clotrimazole shampoo" not the answer?

Clotrimazole treats fungal disease and does not eradicate scabies mites.

Why is "Topical acyclovir" not the answer?

Topical acyclovir is used for herpesvirus infections, not mite infestation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Scabies in Dermatology. The correct option holds because: Correct: permethrin 5% is a common first-line scabies treatment.

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 Scabies?

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.