CDT Dermatologic Conditions & Diseases 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which skin condition is commonly associated with overactive sebaceous glands?
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Acne (Correct answer)
- Rosacea
Correct answer: Acne
Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum by sebaceous glands, often triggered by hormonal changes. This excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells, clogs hair follicles, leading to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts.
Question 2: What is a hallmark symptom of eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
- Painless nodules
- Smooth pigmentation loss
- Itchy, inflamed skin (Correct answer)
- Hard scaly plaques
Correct answer: Itchy, inflamed skin
Eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, is characterized by intensely itchy, red, and inflamed skin. Patients often experience dry, scaly patches that can sometimes blister or ooze, leading to significant discomfort and a strong urge to scratch.
Question 3: Which condition results from an autoimmune attack on skin pigmentation cells?
- Melasma
- Rosacea
- Vitiligo (Correct answer)
- Eczema
Correct answer: Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin). This results in characteristic smooth, white patches of skin that lack pigmentation.
Question 4: What type of lesion is associated with psoriasis?
- Fluid-filled vesicles
- Ulcerations
- Scaly plaques (Correct answer)
- Crusty pustules
Correct answer: Scaly plaques
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid overproduction of skin cells, leading to thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, known as plaques. These plaques are typically well-demarcated and can appear on various parts of the body.
Question 5: Which condition is characterized by facial redness and visible blood vessels?
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea (Correct answer)
- Warts
- Melanoma
Correct answer: Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the face, characterized by persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias), and often papules and pustules. It typically affects the central face, including the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
Question 6: Which viral condition often appears as grouped blisters?
- Ringworm
- Herpes simplex (Correct answer)
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
Correct answer: Herpes simplex
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, such as cold sores (HSV-1) or genital herpes (HSV-2), are characterized by the appearance of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that often occur in clusters or groups on a red base. These vesicles eventually rupture, crust over, and heal.
Question 7: Which fungal condition causes ring-shaped red rashes?
- Scabies
- Impetigo
- Ringworm (Correct answer)
- Cellulitis
Correct answer: Ringworm
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a common fungal infection of the skin, not caused by a worm. It typically presents as a red, itchy, circular rash with raised edges and a clearer center, giving it a characteristic ring-like appearance.
Question 8: Which condition may develop after prolonged sun exposure and is precancerous?
- Warts
- Actinic keratosis (Correct answer)
- Melasma
- Tinea versicolor
Correct answer: Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin lesion that develops from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from the sun. These rough, scaly patches are considered an early form of squamous cell carcinoma and require monitoring or treatment to prevent progression.
Question 9: Which condition causes widespread hair loss due to immune response?
- Hirsutism
- Alopecia areata (Correct answer)
- Folliculitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Correct answer: Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. The hair loss can range from small, coin-sized patches to complete loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis).
CDT Dermatologic Conditions & Diseases 1
Which skin condition is commonly associated with overactive sebaceous glands?