Drug reactions: neomycin contact allergy: 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 · Drug reactions: neomycin contact allergy

Sample item

A man applies a neomycin-containing ointment to a leg ulcer. The surrounding skin becomes red, weeping and itchy and the ulcer worsens despite the ointment. What is the likely mechanism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Allergic contact dermatitis to neomycin

Neomycin is a common contact allergen, particularly on leg ulcers with stasis dermatitis. A delayed type IV reaction produces eczema around the ulcer and the antibiotic should be stopped.

Option by option

  • A. Bacterial resistance only

    Resistance does not explain the weeping eczematous rim.

  • B. Irritant dermatitis from the ulcer

    An irritant reaction usually produces a burning sensation rather than a spreading eczematous reaction.

  • C. Photosensitivity

    Photosensitivity would be restricted to exposed areas.

  • D. Allergic contact dermatitis to neomycin (correct)

    Correct. Neomycin is a well-recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

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, Allergic contact dermatitis to neomycin. Neomycin is a common contact allergen, particularly on leg ulcers with stasis dermatitis.

Why is "Bacterial resistance only" not the answer?

Resistance does not explain the weeping eczematous rim.

Why is "Irritant dermatitis from the ulcer" not the answer?

An irritant reaction usually produces a burning sensation rather than a spreading eczematous reaction.

Why is "Photosensitivity" not the answer?

Photosensitivity would be restricted to exposed areas.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Drug reactions: neomycin contact allergy in Dermatology. A delayed type IV reaction produces eczema around the ulcer and the antibiotic should be stopped.

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 Drug reactions: neomycin contact allergy?

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.