Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: antifungals in pityriasis versicolor: 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 · Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: antifungals in pityriasis versicolor

Sample item

A 24-year-old has many well-defined hypopigmented scaly macules over the upper back, and a skin scraping in KOH shows short hyphae with round yeast forms. Extensive disease is being treated orally. Which systemic antifungal is NOT useful for this infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Griseofulvin

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia yeasts, which are not dermatophytes. Griseofulvin has no useful action against them, whereas azoles such as itraconazole and fluconazole are effective. Topical azoles or selenium sulphide are used for limited disease.

Option by option

  • A. Griseofulvin (correct)

    Correct. Griseofulvin acts on dermatophytes and does not clear Malassezia.

  • B. Ketoconazole

    Ketoconazole is effective, although its oral use is limited by hepatotoxicity.

  • C. Itraconazole

    Itraconazole is an effective oral option for extensive disease.

  • D. Fluconazole

    Fluconazole, often given as a weekly dose, is effective against Malassezia.

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, Griseofulvin. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia yeasts, which are not dermatophytes.

Why is "Ketoconazole" not the answer?

Ketoconazole is effective, although its oral use is limited by hepatotoxicity.

Why is "Itraconazole" not the answer?

Itraconazole is an effective oral option for extensive disease.

Why is "Fluconazole" not the answer?

Fluconazole, often given as a weekly dose, is effective against Malassezia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: antifungals in pityriasis versicolor in Dermatology. Griseofulvin has no useful action against them, whereas azoles such as itraconazole and fluconazole are effective. Topical azoles or selenium sulphide are used for limited disease.

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 Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: antifungals in pityriasis versicolor?

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.