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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Dermatology Trivia Questions: Test Your Skin Care Smarts

Quick, free quiz with dermatology quiz questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Mark EdmondsUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of skin layers and tools on dark blue background expert-level dermatology quiz banner

This dermatologist skin care quiz helps you check what you know about common skin conditions, treatments, and everyday care. Work through quick questions and see your score right away, then note topics to review. Explore more with our skincare knowledge quiz, try a focused korean skincare quiz, or learn techniques and safety basics in a hair removal quiz.

What is the primary function of melanocytes in the skin?
Produce collagen
Regulate temperature
Produce sebum
Synthesize melanin
Melanocytes are specialized cells in the basal layer of the epidermis responsible for producing the pigment melanin, which protects against UV radiation. They transfer melanin to keratinocytes to determine skin color. Dysregulation can lead to conditions like vitiligo or hyperpigmentation. For more details see .
Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for the barrier function?
Dermis
Stratum corneum
Hypodermis
Stratum basale
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead keratinocytes and lipids, forming the primary barrier against water loss and pathogens. Its brick-and-mortar structure is essential for barrier function. Disruption leads to dryness and increased infection risk. Learn more at .
What is the most common type of skin cancer in humans?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arises from basal keratinocytes and is the most frequent form of skin cancer, often related to cumulative UV exposure. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes but can cause local tissue damage. Early detection is key to treatment. For more information visit .
Which vitamin is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to UVB radiation?
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
When skin is exposed to UVB rays, 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to previtamin D3 and then to vitamin D3 in the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium homeostasis and bone health. Deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia. More details at .
What is the first-line topical treatment for mild acne vulgaris?
Oral isotretinoin
Topical antibiotic only
Topical retinoid
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties and is considered first-line for mild acne. It reduces Propionibacterium acnes colonization and helps clear pores. Often combined with a topical retinoid or antibiotic for moderate cases. See for guidelines.
The Fitzpatrick scale is used to classify:
Severity of psoriasis
Degree of sunburn pain
Melanin content/skin phototype
Risk of melanoma
The Fitzpatrick scale categorizes skin based on its response to UV exposure into six phototypes, from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI). It helps predict sunburn risk and tailor phototherapy. This classification is widely used in dermatology. Learn more at .
What is the medical term for hair loss?
Alopecia
Onycholysis
Hypertrichosis
Hirsutism
Alopecia refers to hair loss from the scalp or body, which can be scarring or nonscarring with various causes like autoimmune disease or hormonal changes. Hirsutism and hypertrichosis describe excessive hair growth. Proper diagnosis guides treatment. See .
What is the medical term for a mole?
Vesicle
Papule
Nevus
Macule
A melanocytic nevus (commonly called a mole) is a benign proliferation of nevus cells derived from melanocytes. They can be junctional, compound, or intradermal based on histology. Monitoring for changes is important due to melanoma risk. More at .
Which organism most commonly causes athlete's foot (tinea pedis)?
Malassezia furfur
Microsporum canis
Candida albicans
Trichophyton rubrum
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte causing tinea pedis, presenting with scaling, pruritus, and fissures between toes. Diagnosis is often clinical, confirmed by KOH prep. Treatment includes topical antifungals. CDC resource: .
Which type of ultraviolet radiation penetrates deepest into the skin?
UVB
UVA
Visible light
UVC
UVA (320 - 400 nm) penetrates deeper into the dermis compared to UVB, contributing to photoaging and indirect DNA damage. UVB is more energetic and causes sunburn and direct DNA damage. UVC is mostly filtered by the ozone. More at .
Which histological feature is characteristic of psoriasis?
Spongiosis
Granulomatous inflammation
Saw-tooth rete ridges
Munro microabscesses
Psoriasis microscopically shows parakeratosis and collections of neutrophils in the stratum corneum known as Munro microabscesses. It also has elongated rete ridges and thinning of the suprapapillary plates. These features help differentiate it from eczema. For more see .
Which oral medication is a retinoid used for severe nodulocystic acne?
Tazarotene
Adapalene
Acitretin
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid indicated for severe nodulocystic acne refractory to other treatments. It reduces sebum production, inflammation, and keratinization. Monitoring for teratogenicity and lipid changes is essential. Guidelines: .
Tacrolimus ointment treats eczema by:
Inhibiting calcineurin
Stimulating keratinocyte turnover
Blocking histamine receptors
Inhibiting TNF-alpha
Topical tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor that prevents T-cell activation and cytokine release in atopic dermatitis. It is steroid-sparing, used on sensitive areas like face and folds. It does not cause skin atrophy. More at .
Cryotherapy in dermatology typically uses:
Carbon dioxide laser
Intense pulsed light
Topical salicylic acid
Liquid nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen at -196°C is the most common cryogen in dermatology for destroying benign lesions by rapid freezing. It causes cell lysis and vascular stasis. Indications include warts, actinic keratoses, and molluscum. See .
Which vitamin D analog is commonly used topically for psoriasis?
Calcitriol
Cholecalciferol
Calcipotriene
Ergocalciferol
Calcipotriene (calcipotriol) is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog that regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in psoriasis. It is effective for plaque psoriasis with minimal systemic absorption. Often combined with topical steroids. More at .
Which antihistamine is considered non-sedating and used for chronic urticaria?
Promethazine
Loratadine
Diphenhydramine
Hydroxyzine
Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine with minimal blood - brain barrier penetration, reducing sedation. It is FDA-approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria. It selectively blocks peripheral H1 receptors. See .
A malar rash across the cheeks is most characteristic of which condition?
Seborrheic dermatitis
Dermatomyositis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Rosacea
The butterfly (malar) rash sparing the nasolabial folds is a hallmark cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, often photosensitive. It can be transient or persistent. Diagnosis relies on clinical and serologic criteria. For more see .
The Koebner phenomenon refers to:
Allergic reaction to trauma
Hyperpigmentation after inflammation
Lesion development at sites of trauma
Autoimmune blistering at sites of pressure
The Koebner phenomenon is when lesions of diseases like psoriasis or lichen planus appear at sites of skin injury or trauma. It indicates that disease can be provoked by external stimuli in predisposed individuals. It helps in clinical diagnosis. See .
Which test uses potassium hydroxide to identify fungal elements in skin scrapings?
Woods lamp
Tzanck smear
KOH preparation
Gram stain
The KOH preparation dissolves keratin in skin scrapings, allowing visualization of fungal hyphae or yeast under the microscope. It is a rapid, bedside diagnostic for dermatophyte infections. It is standard for tinea diagnosis. Guidelines at .
Which feature is included in the 'E' of the melanoma ABCDE rule?
Erythema
Erosion
Evolution
Elevation
In the ABCDE rule for melanoma detection, 'Evolution' refers to changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms of a lesion over time. Erythema and elevation are not part of the mnemonic. Evolution is a key warning sign. See .
Which gene mutation is most commonly associated with atopic dermatitis?
TP53
PTEN
Filaggrin
BRAF
Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene compromise skin barrier integrity, a key factor in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. Filaggrin deficiency leads to increased transepidermal water loss and allergen penetration. It is a major genetic predisposition. More at .
First-line systemic treatment for bullous pemphigoid is:
Methotrexate
Systemic corticosteroids
Dapsone
Azathioprine
Bullous pemphigoid is treated primarily with systemic corticosteroids to rapidly control blister formation and inflammation by suppressing autoantibody production. Steroid-sparing agents like azathioprine may be added. Early control prevents complications. See .
Which autoantibody is elevated in pemphigus vulgaris?
Anti-collagen VII IgG
Anti-BP180 IgG
Anti-desmoglein-3 IgG
Anti-desmoglein-1 IgG
Pemphigus vulgaris features IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein-3, disrupting keratinocyte adhesion and causing suprabasal acantholysis. Anti-desmoglein-1 may also be present in mucocutaneous forms. ELISA testing confirms diagnosis. Reference: .
Photodynamic therapy in dermatology relies on:
Heat-induced protein denaturation
Generation of reactive oxygen species after light activation of a photosensitizer
Freezing of lesions
Laser-induced vascular coagulation
Photodynamic therapy uses a topical or systemic photosensitizer (e.g., ALA) that accumulates in abnormal cells. Exposure to specific light wavelengths produces reactive oxygen species that destroy target tissue. It is used for actinic keratoses and certain superficial cancers. More at .
Which laser wavelength is classically used to treat port-wine stains?
Erbium:YAG 2940 nm
CO2 laser 10,600 nm
Pulsed dye laser 585 nm
Nd:YAG 1064 nm
Pulsed dye lasers at 585 - 595 nm target oxyhemoglobin in dilated capillaries of port-wine stains, causing selective photothermolysis and lesion blanching. Multiple treatments yield best results. It is the gold standard. See .
A Tzanck smear is most useful in diagnosing:
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Bullous pemphigoid
Herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections
Psoriasis
Tzanck smear involves scraping the base of a blister to identify multinucleated giant cells, indicative of herpesvirus infections. It is rapid but not specific to HSV versus VZV. It is not useful for autoimmune bullous diseases. For details see .
Which dermoscopic feature is most characteristic of basal cell carcinoma?
Arborizing vessels
Red lacunae
Leaf-like areas
Blue-whitish veil
Arborizing (branching) telangiectatic vessels under dermoscopy are characteristic of basal cell carcinoma. Additional features include pearly white structures and ulceration. These assist noninvasive diagnosis. More at .
Which targeted therapy is a BRAF inhibitor used in melanoma?
Ipilimumab
Vemurafenib
Trametinib
Pembrolizumab
Vemurafenib selectively inhibits the BRAF V600E mutant kinase in melanoma, leading to tumor regression. It is indicated for unresectable or metastatic melanoma with this mutation. Resistance can develop, often requiring combination therapy. See .
The reservoir host for Leishmania major, causing cutaneous leishmaniasis, is usually:
Humans
Rodents
Birds
Dogs
In Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis, Leishmania major is maintained in rodent reservoirs but zoonotic transmission often involves dogs in some regions. Phlebotomine sandflies transmit the parasite to humans. Understanding reservoirs informs control measures. Reference: .
Which cell type predominates in granuloma annulare lesions?
Neutrophils
Histiocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
Granuloma annulare is characterized by palisading or interstitial histiocytic granulomas in the dermis. Histiocytes surround foci of collagen degeneration. Neutrophils are not a feature. For histopathology see .
Apremilast, used for psoriasis, acts by:
Blocking TNF-alpha receptors
Inhibiting PDE4 to increase cAMP levels
Antagonizing IL-12
Inhibiting JAK-STAT pathway
Apremilast is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that raises intracellular cAMP and modulates inflammatory mediators in psoriasis. It reduces TNF-alpha, IL-17, and IL-23 production. Oral administration with a favorable safety profile. More at .
Which cytokine is most strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis?
IL-10
IL-4
IL-1
IL-17
IL-17, produced by Th17 cells, plays a central role in psoriasis by promoting keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation. Biologics targeting IL-17 (e.g., secukinumab) have high efficacy. IL-17 is a key driver in disease pathogenesis. See .
PUVA therapy combines psoralen with which wavelength range of ultraviolet light?
Visible light (400-700 nm)
UVB (280-320 nm)
UVC (200-280 nm)
UVA (320-400 nm)
PUVA therapy uses psoralen, a photosensitizer, followed by UVA exposure (320 - 400 nm) to treat conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo. Psoralen intercalates into DNA, and UVA activation forms cross-links inhibiting cell proliferation. It requires eye protection due to UVA. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify common skin conditions -

    Recognize key signs and symptoms of prevalent dermatological issues, from acne to eczema, by interpreting diagnostic clues.

  2. Analyze treatment options -

    Evaluate various therapeutic approaches and recommend appropriate over-the-counter or prescription treatments for different skin disorders.

  3. Apply diagnostic reasoning -

    Use clinical evidence and quiz-based scenarios to differentiate between rashes, lesions, and skin abnormalities.

  4. Recall skin anatomy and function -

    Describe the structure and role of skin layers, glands, and cells to reinforce foundational knowledge of skin health.

  5. Interpret dermatological terminology -

    Understand and use professional terminology accurately, enhancing communication and comprehension of dermatology trivia.

  6. Evaluate skincare strategies -

    Assess and recommend effective skincare routines based on individual skin types and conditions, building confidence in practical applications.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification -

    The Fitzpatrick scale divides skin into six phototypes based on UV sensitivity and melanin content (I - VI), a system endorsed by Harvard Medical School. Knowing your phototype helps predict sunburn risk and tailor photoprotection - a key concept in any dermatology quiz. Memorize "I always sunburn, VI always tans" to recall extremes quickly.

  2. ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection -

    The American Academy of Dermatology's ABCDE mnemonic - Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variegation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolution - guides early melanoma recognition. In a skin care quiz, identifying each feature can dramatically improve diagnostic accuracy. Practice with clinical photos from PubMed or DermNet NZ to sharpen pattern recognition.

  3. Skin Layer Functions and Structures -

    The skin comprises three layers: epidermis (barrier and keratinocytes), dermis (collagen, elastin, vessels), and hypodermis (fat cushioning). Understanding each layer's cells and appendages - like Langerhans cells in the epidermis - reinforces answers on histology and pathophysiology. Recall "E-D-H" (Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis) to navigate any dermatology quiz question on anatomy.

  4. Atopic Dermatitis Pathophysiology and Triggers -

    Atopic dermatitis arises from filaggrin gene defects and immune dysregulation, leading to barrier dysfunction and Th2-dominant inflammation (per National Eczema Association). Common triggers include wool, harsh soaps, and aeroallergens; knowing these sharpens clinical reasoning. Use the mnemonic "WASH" (Wool, Allergens, Soap, Heat) to recall key irritants.

  5. Topical Treatment Potency and Selection -

    Corticosteroid potency ranges from class I (super-potent) to class VII (mild), as outlined by the British Association of Dermatologists. Vehicle choice - ointment, cream, lotion - affects absorption; ointments are most occlusive, ideal for thick plaques. Remember "Ointment Over Cream" for chronic plaques and "Cream for Acute" as a quick decision aid in your skin health quiz prep.

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