Dermatitis: Parthenium 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 · Dermatitis: Parthenium dermatitis

Sample item

A farmer in India develops itchy eczema on the face, neck V and flexures every monsoon, worse on exposure to a roadside weed. Which plant is most likely responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Parthenium hysterophorus

Parthenium hysterophorus (congress grass) causes airborne contact dermatitis in India through sesquiterpene lactones such as parthenin. Avoidance, topical steroids and sometimes azathioprine are used.

Option by option

  • A. Primula obconica

    Primula is a European ornamental plant allergen.

  • B. Rhus toxicodendron

    Rhus (poison ivy) is the main cause of plant dermatitis in North America.

  • C. Mangifera indica

    Mango can cause contact dermatitis around the mouth and sap exposure but not seasonal airborne eczema.

  • D. Parthenium hysterophorus (correct)

    Correct. Parthenium is the commonest cause of plant airborne contact dermatitis in India.

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 D, Parthenium hysterophorus. Parthenium hysterophorus (congress grass) causes airborne contact dermatitis in India through sesquiterpene lactones such as parthenin.

Why is "Primula obconica" not the answer?

Primula is a European ornamental plant allergen.

Why is "Rhus toxicodendron" not the answer?

Rhus (poison ivy) is the main cause of plant dermatitis in North America.

Why is "Mangifera indica" not the answer?

Mango can cause contact dermatitis around the mouth and sap exposure but not seasonal airborne eczema.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dermatitis: Parthenium dermatitis in Dermatology. Avoidance, topical steroids and sometimes azathioprine are used.

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 Dermatitis: Parthenium 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.