Pigmentary disorders: Kligman formula in melasma: 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 · Pigmentary disorders: Kligman formula in melasma

Sample item

A 35-year-old woman has symmetrical centrofacial melasma. A triple combination cream containing a depigmenting agent, a retinoid and a mild steroid is prescribed. What is the depigmenting agent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hydroquinone

The Kligman formula combines hydroquinone, tretinoin and a topical steroid, and is a standard first-line treatment for melasma. Sunscreen is essential to the regimen.

Option by option

  • A. Benzoyl peroxide

    Benzoyl peroxide is an acne treatment.

  • B. Clobetasol

    Clobetasol is a very potent steroid and is not used on the face for long periods.

  • C. Hydroquinone (correct)

    Correct. Hydroquinone inhibits tyrosinase and is the depigmenting agent.

  • D. Mupirocin

    Mupirocin is an antibacterial.

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, Hydroquinone. The Kligman formula combines hydroquinone, tretinoin and a topical steroid, and is a standard first-line treatment for melasma.

Why is "Benzoyl peroxide" not the answer?

Benzoyl peroxide is an acne treatment.

Why is "Clobetasol" not the answer?

Clobetasol is a very potent steroid and is not used on the face for long periods.

Why is "Mupirocin" not the answer?

Mupirocin is an antibacterial.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: Kligman formula in melasma in Dermatology. Sunscreen is essential to the regimen.

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 Pigmentary disorders: Kligman formula in melasma?

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.