Papulosquamous disorders: polymorphic light eruption versus lupus: 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: polymorphic light eruption versus lupus

Sample item

A 28-year-old woman develops itchy papules over the exposed forearms and V of the neck a few hours after the first sunny days of spring. They settle in a week without scarring and recur each year. ANA is negative. What is the best preventive strategy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Broad-spectrum sunscreen and gradual hardening with narrowband UVB in early spring

Polymorphic light eruption is a delayed photosensitivity that recurs in spring and responds to photoprotection. Prophylactic narrowband UVB or PUVA before the season induces tolerance (hardening).

Option by option

  • A. Lifelong systemic steroid

    Lifelong systemic steroid has unacceptable adverse effects for a benign recurring condition.

  • B. Oral isotretinoin

    Isotretinoin treats acne and has no role in preventing light eruption.

  • C. Broad-spectrum sunscreen and gradual hardening with narrowband UVB in early spring (correct)

    Correct. Photoprotection with prophylactic phototherapy hardens the skin.

  • D. Topical antifungal

    A topical antifungal does not affect a photoimmunological process.

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, Broad-spectrum sunscreen and gradual hardening with narrowband UVB in early spring. Polymorphic light eruption is a delayed photosensitivity that recurs in spring and responds to photoprotection.

Why is "Lifelong systemic steroid" not the answer?

Lifelong systemic steroid has unacceptable adverse effects for a benign recurring condition.

Why is "Oral isotretinoin" not the answer?

Isotretinoin treats acne and has no role in preventing light eruption.

Why is "Topical antifungal" not the answer?

A topical antifungal does not affect a photoimmunological process.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: polymorphic light eruption versus lupus in Dermatology. Prophylactic narrowband UVB or PUVA before the season induces tolerance (hardening).

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: polymorphic light eruption versus lupus?

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.