Viral infection: herpes zoster: 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 infection: herpes zoster

Sample item

A patient has severe burning pain followed by grouped vesicles on an erythematous base in a unilateral dermatomal distribution. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Herpes zoster

Herpes zoster is reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in a sensory ganglion and produces painful unilateral dermatomal vesicles. Ophthalmic involvement and immunosuppression require prompt attention.

Option by option

  • A. Psoriasis

    Psoriasis produces scaly plaques rather than vesicles.

  • B. Herpes simplex labialis

    Herpes labialis usually affects the lips in recurrent clustered lesions.

  • C. Herpes zoster (correct)

    Correct. Painful unilateral dermatomal vesicles are characteristic of zoster.

  • D. Scabies

    Scabies produces widespread pruritus and burrows.

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 C, Herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in a sensory ganglion and produces painful unilateral dermatomal vesicles.

Why is "Psoriasis" not the answer?

Psoriasis produces scaly plaques rather than vesicles.

Why is "Herpes simplex labialis" not the answer?

Herpes labialis usually affects the lips in recurrent clustered lesions.

Why is "Scabies" not the answer?

Scabies produces widespread pruritus and burrows.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infection: herpes zoster in Dermatology. Ophthalmic involvement and immunosuppression require prompt attention.

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 infection: herpes zoster?

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.