Bacterial infections: pitted keratolysis: 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 · Bacterial infections: pitted keratolysis

Sample item

A soldier who wears closed boots all day has malodorous soles with shallow crateriform pits over the pressure areas. Which is the most appropriate management?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Topical erythromycin or clindamycin with control of foot hyperhidrosis

Pitted keratolysis is caused by Kytococcus sedentarius and Corynebacterium species degrading the stratum corneum in moist, occluded feet. Topical antibacterials and keeping the feet dry are effective.

Option by option

  • A. Topical erythromycin or clindamycin with control of foot hyperhidrosis (correct)

    Correct. Antibacterial therapy plus reducing moisture treats the cause.

  • B. Oral griseofulvin for 6 weeks

    Griseofulvin treats dermatophytes, which are not the cause here.

  • C. Topical permethrin cream

    Permethrin is a scabicide.

  • D. Cryotherapy of each pit

    Cryotherapy destroys warts and would only injure the plantar skin.

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.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Topical erythromycin or clindamycin with control of foot hyperhidrosis. Pitted keratolysis is caused by Kytococcus sedentarius and Corynebacterium species degrading the stratum corneum in moist, occluded feet.

Why is "Oral griseofulvin for 6 weeks" not the answer?

Griseofulvin treats dermatophytes, which are not the cause here.

Why is "Topical permethrin cream" not the answer?

Permethrin is a scabicide.

Why is "Cryotherapy of each pit" not the answer?

Cryotherapy destroys warts and would only injure the plantar skin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacterial infections: pitted keratolysis in Dermatology. Topical antibacterials and keeping the feet dry are effective.

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 Bacterial infections: pitted keratolysis?

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.