Viral infections: 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 · Viral infections

Sample item

What pattern is most typical of herpes zoster?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Painful grouped vesicles in a dermatomal distribution

Herpes zoster causes painful grouped vesicles along a dermatome because latent varicella-zoster virus reactivates in a sensory ganglion.

Option by option

  • A. Painful grouped vesicles in a dermatomal distribution (correct)

    Correct: dermatomal painful vesicles are classic for zoster.

  • B. Symmetric target lesions after every meal

    Target lesions are not the usual zoster pattern.

  • C. Painless diffuse scaling of both soles

    Diffuse sole scale has a different differential.

  • D. A single comedone on the cheek

    A comedone is an acne lesion.

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, Painful grouped vesicles in a dermatomal distribution. Herpes zoster causes painful grouped vesicles along a dermatome because latent varicella-zoster virus reactivates in a sensory ganglion.

Why is "Symmetric target lesions after every meal" not the answer?

Target lesions are not the usual zoster pattern.

Why is "Painless diffuse scaling of both soles" not the answer?

Diffuse sole scale has a different differential.

Why is "A single comedone on the cheek" not the answer?

A comedone is an acne lesion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infections in Dermatology. The correct option holds because: Correct: dermatomal painful vesicles are classic for zoster.

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 Viral infections?

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.