Common Skin Conditions & Treatment Flashcards

A patient presents with sharply demarcated, silvery-scaled plaques on the elbows and knees. Which pathophysiological mechanism is primarily responsible for this condition?

Answer: Accelerated keratinocyte proliferation

Psoriasis is characterized by accelerated keratinocyte proliferation, causing rapid skin cell turnover that leads to the classic silvery scales.

Which topical treatment is considered first-line for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults?

Answer: Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis due to their anti-inflammatory effects.

A patient with rosacea is most likely to report worsening symptoms after which trigger?

Answer: Spicy food consumption

Spicy foods are a common trigger for rosacea flares because they induce facial flushing and vasodilation.

Tinea versicolor is caused by which organism?

Answer: Malassezia furfur

Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia furfur, a lipophilic yeast that is part of normal skin flora.

Which finding on dermoscopy is most characteristic of a benign seborrheic keratosis?

Answer: Comedo-like openings and milia-like cysts

Comedo-like openings (pseudofollicular openings) and milia-like cysts are the hallmark dermoscopic features of seborrheic keratosis.

A child presents with honey-colored crusts around the nose and mouth. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Impetigo

Impetigo classically presents with honey-colored (golden) crusts, most commonly around the nose and mouth in children.

Which treatment modality uses focused ultraviolet B light to treat localized skin conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo?

Answer: Excimer laser therapy

The excimer laser delivers a focused 308-nm UVB beam, allowing targeted treatment of localized plaques without irradiating surrounding healthy skin.