Papulosquamous disorders: chronic actinic 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 · Papulosquamous disorders: chronic actinic dermatitis

Sample item

A 66-year-old farmer has had eczematous lichenified plaques on the face, V of the neck and backs of the hands for three years. They worsen in summer but never clear in winter. Phototesting shows a low minimal erythema dose to UVB and UVA, and patch tests are positive to Parthenium. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Chronic actinic dermatitis

Chronic actinic dermatitis is a persistent eczema of exposed skin with abnormal UVB, UVA and sometimes visible light sensitivity, often with contact allergens such as Parthenium. Photoprotection and allergen avoidance are central, with immunosuppression in severe cases.

Option by option

  • A. Chronic actinic dermatitis (correct)

    Correct. Persistent exposed-site eczema with abnormal phototesting is chronic actinic dermatitis.

  • B. Polymorphic light eruption

    Polymorphic light eruption is intermittent, clears within days and has normal phototests.

  • C. Airborne contact dermatitis without photosensitivity

    Airborne contact dermatitis would show normal photosensitivity on phototesting.

  • D. Phototoxic drug eruption

    A phototoxic drug eruption needs a culprit drug and resembles exaggerated sunburn.

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, Chronic actinic dermatitis. Chronic actinic dermatitis is a persistent eczema of exposed skin with abnormal UVB, UVA and sometimes visible light sensitivity, often with contact allergens such as Parthenium.

Why is "Polymorphic light eruption" not the answer?

Polymorphic light eruption is intermittent, clears within days and has normal phototests.

Why is "Airborne contact dermatitis without photosensitivity" not the answer?

Airborne contact dermatitis would show normal photosensitivity on phototesting.

Why is "Phototoxic drug eruption" not the answer?

A phototoxic drug eruption needs a culprit drug and resembles exaggerated sunburn.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: chronic actinic dermatitis in Dermatology. Photoprotection and allergen avoidance are central, with immunosuppression in severe cases.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: chronic actinic 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.