Papulosquamous disorders: brachioradial pruritus: 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: brachioradial pruritus

Sample item

A 52-year-old woman with cervical spondylosis has burning itch over the lateral forearms that worsens after sun exposure and is eased by an ice pack. Skin examination shows only excoriations. What is the most likely cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cervical nerve root compression

Brachioradial pruritus is a neuropathic itch linked to cervical spine disease, with relief from cold and worsening in sun. A cervical spine imaging study is the logical investigation.

Option by option

  • A. Scabies infestation

    Scabies itches mainly at night, with burrows in the web spaces and itchy household contacts, not a forearm-only pattern.

  • B. Cholestasis

    Cholestasis causes generalised itch worse on the palms and soles, not a localised pattern relieved by ice.

  • C. Hypothyroid xerosis

    Hypothyroid xerosis gives dry skin diffusely and not a burning itch confined to the forearm.

  • D. Cervical nerve root compression (correct)

    Correct. Cervical root compression produces neuropathic itch over the brachioradial area.

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 D, Cervical nerve root compression. Brachioradial pruritus is a neuropathic itch linked to cervical spine disease, with relief from cold and worsening in sun.

Why is "Scabies infestation" not the answer?

Scabies itches mainly at night, with burrows in the web spaces and itchy household contacts, not a forearm-only pattern.

Why is "Cholestasis" not the answer?

Cholestasis causes generalised itch worse on the palms and soles, not a localised pattern relieved by ice.

Why is "Hypothyroid xerosis" not the answer?

Hypothyroid xerosis gives dry skin diffusely and not a burning itch confined to the forearm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: brachioradial pruritus in Dermatology. A cervical spine imaging study is the logical investigation.

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: brachioradial pruritus?

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.