20 Dermatology Quiz Questions and Answers

Question 1:
What is the most common type of skin cancer?
A. Melanoma
B. Basal cell carcinoma
C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Kaposi’s sarcoma
Answer: B
Explanation: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases, and it typically occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin due to UV radiation exposure.

Question 2:
Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Subcutaneous tissue
D. Stratum corneum
Answer: A
Explanation: Melanocytes are located in the basal layer of the epidermis, where they produce melanin to protect the skin from UV radiation.

Question 3:
What is the primary trigger for atopic dermatitis?
A. Bacterial infection
B. Genetic factors and environmental allergens
C. Autoimmune response
D. Hormonal changes
Answer: B
Explanation: Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is often triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors like allergens, irritants, and climate changes.

Question 4:
Which treatment is first-line for mild to moderate acne?
A. Oral isotretinoin
B. Topical retinoids
C. Systemic antibiotics
D. Laser therapy
Answer: B
Explanation: Topical retinoids are recommended as first-line treatment for mild to moderate acne because they help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote skin cell turnover.

Question 5:
What characterizes psoriasis as a skin condition?
A. It is always contagious
B. It involves rapid skin cell turnover leading to scaly plaques
C. It only affects the elderly
D. It is caused by poor hygiene
Answer: B
Explanation: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by the accelerated production of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly plaques on the skin.

Question 6:
Which virus is associated with warts?
A. Herpes simplex virus
B. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
C. Varicella-zoster virus
D. Epstein-Barr virus
Answer: B
Explanation: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin, causing warts by stimulating excessive cell growth.

Question 7:
What is the hallmark sign of measles?
A. Koplik spots
B. Jaundice
C. Petechial rash
D. Vesicular lesions
Answer: A
Explanation: Koplik spots, which are small white spots on the buccal mucosa, are a characteristic early sign of measles, appearing before the rash.

Question 8:
Which sunscreen ingredient is best for sensitive skin?
A. Oxybenzone
B. Zinc oxide
C. Avobenzone
D. Octinoxate
Answer: B
Explanation: Zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen that sits on the skin’s surface and is less likely to cause irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Question 9:
What is the main risk factor for developing melanoma?
A. Frequent use of moisturizers
B. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
C. Eating spicy foods
D. Wearing tight clothing
Answer: B
Explanation: Prolonged or intense UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds is the primary risk factor for melanoma, as it can damage DNA in skin cells.

Question 10:
Which condition is characterized by butterfly-shaped rash on the face?
A. Rosacea
B. Lupus erythematosus
C. Acne vulgaris
D. Seborrheic dermatitis
Answer: B
Explanation: Systemic lupus erythematosus often presents with a malar rash, or butterfly rash, on the face, triggered by sun exposure and associated with autoimmune activity.

Question 11:
What is the recommended first aid for a minor thermal burn?
A. Apply ice directly
B. Cool the area with lukewarm water
C. Cover with a tight bandage
D. Rub the area with oil
Answer: B
Explanation: Cooling the burn with lukewarm water helps reduce pain and prevent further tissue damage by lowering the temperature of the affected area.

Question 12:
Which fungal infection commonly affects the groin area?
A. Athlete’s foot
B. Ringworm
C. Jock itch
D. Candidiasis
Answer: C
Explanation: Jock itch, caused by fungi like Trichophyton, thrives in warm, moist areas such as the groin, leading to itching and redness.

Question 13:
What does a positive Tzanck test indicate?
A. Bacterial infection
B. Viral infection like herpes
C. Allergic reaction
D. Parasitic infestation
Answer: B
Explanation: The Tzanck test detects multinucleated giant cells in skin scrapings, which are indicative of herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus infections.

Question 14:
Which vitamin deficiency is linked to hyperpigmentation?
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin A
Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause hyperpigmentation, particularly in areas like the hands and feet, due to impaired melanin regulation.

Question 15:
What is the primary treatment for severe alopecia areata?
A. Topical corticosteroids
B. JAK inhibitors
C. Antibiotics
D. Antihistamines
Answer: B
Explanation: JAK inhibitors are used for severe cases of alopecia areata as they target the immune response that attacks hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth.

Question 16:
Which skin condition is associated with gluten intolerance?
A. Acne
B. Dermatitis herpetiformis
C. Psoriasis
D. Vitiligo
Answer: B
Explanation: Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic, itchy rash linked to celiac disease, where gluten triggers an immune response causing blistering lesions.

Question 17:
What is the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers?
A. Frequent repositioning
B. Using harsh soaps
C. Limiting fluid intake
D. Applying heat
Answer: A
Explanation: Frequent repositioning of immobile patients reduces pressure on vulnerable areas, preventing the development of pressure ulcers.

Question 18:
Which bacterium is the common cause of impetigo?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Streptococcus pyogenes
C. Escherichia coli
D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Answer: A or B
Explanation: Impetigo is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, leading to honey-crusted sores on the skin.

Question 19:
What characterizes seborrheic dermatitis?
A. Dry, scaly patches on oily areas
B. Blisters on the hands
C. Widespread redness without scales
D. Pigmented spots only
Answer: A
Explanation: Seborrheic dermatitis features greasy, yellowish scales on oily areas like the scalp and face, often due to Malassezia yeast overgrowth.

Question 20:
Which diagnostic tool is used to examine skin lesions for melanoma?
A. Dermatoscope
B. Stethoscope
C. Otoscope
D. Spirometer
Answer: A
Explanation: A dermatoscope allows for magnified visualization of skin lesions, helping to identify features like asymmetry and irregular borders that suggest melanoma.