Papulosquamous disorders: wet wrap therapy in atopic dermatitis: 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 · Papulosquamous disorders: wet wrap therapy in atopic dermatitis

Sample item

A 4-year-old has a severe, widespread flare of atopic dermatitis with sleep loss that has not settled despite regular emollients and a moderate-potency topical steroid. There is no sign of infection. Which short-term measure is most appropriate?

ALong-term systemic corticosteroid tabletsBOral antihistamine as monotherapyCWet wraps over emollient with diluted steroidDAvoiding baths for a week

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Wet wraps over emollient with diluted steroid

Wet wrap therapy applies emollient or diluted steroid under a damp layer covered by a dry layer, for a few days. It hydrates the skin, increases penetration and reduces scratching. Systemic steroids cause rebound flares and are avoided, and sedating antihistamines only help sleep.

Option by option

A. Long-term systemic corticosteroid tablets
Long-term oral steroids cause rebound flares and growth and bone effects, so they are avoided in atopic dermatitis.
B. Oral antihistamine as monotherapy
Antihistamines do not treat the inflammation and are of limited value for itch in eczema.
C. Wet wraps over emollient with diluted steroid (correct)
Correct. Short-term wet wraps give rapid relief in severe flares in children.
D. Avoiding baths for a week
Avoiding baths worsens dryness; short lukewarm baths followed by emollient are advised.

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.

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Wet wraps over emollient with diluted steroid. Wet wrap therapy applies emollient or diluted steroid under a damp layer covered by a dry layer, for a few days.

Why is "Long-term systemic corticosteroid tablets" not the answer?

Long-term oral steroids cause rebound flares and growth and bone effects, so they are avoided in atopic dermatitis.

Why is "Oral antihistamine as monotherapy" not the answer?

Antihistamines do not treat the inflammation and are of limited value for itch in eczema.

Why is "Avoiding baths for a week" not the answer?

Avoiding baths worsens dryness; short lukewarm baths followed by emollient are advised.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: wet wrap therapy in atopic dermatitis in Dermatology. It hydrates the skin, increases penetration and reduces scratching. Systemic steroids cause rebound flares and are avoided, and sedating antihistamines only help sleep.

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 disorders: wet wrap therapy in atopic dermatitis?

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.