Therapeutics: topical corticosteroids: 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 · Therapeutics: topical corticosteroids

Sample item

Which statement about topical corticosteroids is correct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Clobetasol propionate is super-potent and should be avoided on the face and flexures

Clobetasol is a class I super-potent steroid, and prolonged use causes atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, perioral dermatitis and systemic absorption. Low-potency agents such as hydrocortisone are used on the face, folds and in children.

Option by option

  • A. Steroid potency is unrelated to atrophy risk

    Atrophy risk rises with potency and duration.

  • B. Clobetasol propionate is super-potent and should be avoided on the face and flexures (correct)

    Correct. Super-potent steroids are avoided in thin skin sites.

  • C. Potent steroids are ideal for the eyelids

    Eyelid skin is very thin and prone to atrophy and glaucoma risk.

  • D. Hydrocortisone 1 percent is the most potent preparation

    Hydrocortisone 1 percent is mild.

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 B, Clobetasol propionate is super-potent and should be avoided on the face and flexures. Clobetasol is a class I super-potent steroid, and prolonged use causes atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, perioral dermatitis and systemic absorption.

Why is "Steroid potency is unrelated to atrophy risk" not the answer?

Atrophy risk rises with potency and duration.

Why is "Potent steroids are ideal for the eyelids" not the answer?

Eyelid skin is very thin and prone to atrophy and glaucoma risk.

Why is "Hydrocortisone 1 percent is the most potent preparation" not the answer?

Hydrocortisone 1 percent is mild.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Therapeutics: topical corticosteroids in Dermatology. Low-potency agents such as hydrocortisone are used on the face, folds and in children.

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 Therapeutics: topical corticosteroids?

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.