Bullous disorders: pemphigus foliaceus: 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 · Bullous disorders: pemphigus foliaceus

Sample item

A patient has scaly crusted erosions over the face, chest and back without oral lesions. Biopsy shows a split just beneath the stratum corneum. Which antigen is targeted?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Desmoglein 1

Pemphigus foliaceus targets desmoglein 1, which is expressed superficially in the epidermis and is absent from the mucosa, so there is a subcorneal split without mucosal involvement. Endemic forms such as fogo selvagem occur in Brazil.

Option by option

  • A. BP230

    BP230 is a hemidesmosomal pemphigoid antigen.

  • B. Desmoglein 3

    Desmoglein 3 is abundant in mucosa and basal layers and produces deep, mucosal disease.

  • C. Desmoglein 1 (correct)

    Correct. Desmoglein 1 explains superficial blistering.

  • D. Collagen XVII only

    Collagen XVII is BP180, the pemphigoid antigen.

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, Desmoglein 1. Pemphigus foliaceus targets desmoglein 1, which is expressed superficially in the epidermis and is absent from the mucosa, so there is a subcorneal split without mucosal involvement.

Why is "BP230" not the answer?

BP230 is a hemidesmosomal pemphigoid antigen.

Why is "Desmoglein 3" not the answer?

Desmoglein 3 is abundant in mucosa and basal layers and produces deep, mucosal disease.

Why is "Collagen XVII only" not the answer?

Collagen XVII is BP180, the pemphigoid antigen.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bullous disorders: pemphigus foliaceus in Dermatology. Endemic forms such as fogo selvagem occur in Brazil.

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 Bullous disorders: pemphigus foliaceus?

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.