Papulosquamous disorders: pustular psoriasis: 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: pustular psoriasis

Sample item

A patient with psoriasis who stopped prolonged oral prednisolone abruptly develops fever and generalised sterile pustules on red skin. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Generalised pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch)

Abrupt steroid withdrawal is a classic trigger of von Zumbusch generalised pustular psoriasis, a dermatological emergency. Treatment includes acitretin, methotrexate, ciclosporin or biologics, with supportive care.

Option by option

  • A. Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis

    AGEP follows a drug, usually an antibiotic, within days, and there is no psoriasis history.

  • B. Impetigo herpetiformis

    Impetigo herpetiformis is pustular psoriasis in pregnancy.

  • C. Generalised pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch) (correct)

    Correct. Sterile pustules on erythema in a known psoriatic after steroid withdrawal fit.

  • D. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

    SSSS shows skin peeling without pustules.

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 C, Generalised pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch). Abrupt steroid withdrawal is a classic trigger of von Zumbusch generalised pustular psoriasis, a dermatological emergency.

Why is "Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis" not the answer?

AGEP follows a drug, usually an antibiotic, within days, and there is no psoriasis history.

Why is "Impetigo herpetiformis" not the answer?

Impetigo herpetiformis is pustular psoriasis in pregnancy.

Why is "Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome" not the answer?

SSSS shows skin peeling without pustules.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: pustular psoriasis in Dermatology. Treatment includes acitretin, methotrexate, ciclosporin or biologics, with supportive care.

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: pustular psoriasis?

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.