Papulosquamous disorders: lichen nitidus: 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: lichen nitidus

Sample item

A boy has groups of 1 mm flesh-coloured, shiny, flat-topped papules on the penile shaft and forearms that appear along scratch lines. Histology shows a dense infiltrate clasped by elongated rete ridges. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lichen nitidus

Lichen nitidus produces tiny uniform shiny papules, often on the genitalia, flexor forearms and abdomen, showing Koebner phenomenon. The infiltrate held by rete ridges gives the ball-in-claw picture, and it is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting.

Option by option

  • A. Molluscum contagiosum

    Molluscum papules are umbilicated, with a central dimple and a cheesy core.

  • B. Lichen striatus

    Lichen striatus forms a continuous linear band along a limb in a child, not discrete groups.

  • C. Lichen nitidus (correct)

    Correct. Pinpoint shiny papules with a ball-in-claw histology characterise lichen nitidus.

  • D. Lichen planus

    Lichen planus has larger violaceous itchy papules with Wickham striae.

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, Lichen nitidus. Lichen nitidus produces tiny uniform shiny papules, often on the genitalia, flexor forearms and abdomen, showing Koebner phenomenon.

Why is "Molluscum contagiosum" not the answer?

Molluscum papules are umbilicated, with a central dimple and a cheesy core.

Why is "Lichen striatus" not the answer?

Lichen striatus forms a continuous linear band along a limb in a child, not discrete groups.

Why is "Lichen planus" not the answer?

Lichen planus has larger violaceous itchy papules with Wickham striae.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: lichen nitidus in Dermatology. The infiltrate held by rete ridges gives the ball-in-claw picture, and it is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting.

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: lichen nitidus?

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.