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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Nikolsky Sign Quiz: Identify Skin Diseases by Key Clues

Quick, free skin diagnosis quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Brady MorrUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art style cutaway of skin layers with magnifying glass showing rashes spots quiz banner on dark blue background

This Nikolsky sign quiz helps you spot when the sign is present and connect it with common skin diseases. Answer quick questions, get instant feedback, and build recall for study or practice. For related review, try the integumentary system quiz or focus on common rashes with the eczema quiz.

Which condition is characterized by dry, scaly patches often in the creases of elbows and knees?
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Tinea corporis
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, often presents with dry, scaly patches in flexural areas such as the elbows and knees. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with itching and a personal or family history of atopy. Proper skin hydration and topical corticosteroids are mainstays of management.
Which skin disease presents as silver-white scales on erythematous plaques typically on extensor surfaces?
Tinea versicolor
Psoriasis
Lichen planus
Eczema
Psoriasis is characterized by well-demarcated, erythematous plaques covered with silver-white scales, most commonly found on extensor surfaces like elbows and knees. The Auspitz sign, pinpoint bleeding when scales are removed, is a classic finding. Treatment ranges from topical agents to systemic therapies depending on severity.
Which fungal infection affects the scalp causing hair loss and scaling?
Tinea capitis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Alopecia areata
Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection of the scalp that leads to scaling, hair breakage, and sometimes kerion formation. It is most common in children and is diagnosed by KOH preparation or fungal culture. Treatment typically involves systemic antifungals such as griseofulvin or terbinafine.
What is the most common type of acne characterized by open and closed comedones?
Acne vulgaris
Acne conglobata
Acne mechanica
Acne rosacea
Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne and is defined by the presence of open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads), often with inflammatory lesions. It results from follicular hyperkeratinization, sebum production, Propionibacterium acnes proliferation, and inflammation. Topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are first-line therapies.
Which condition shows depigmented macules due to melanocyte loss?
Melasma
Vitiligo
Postinflammatory hypopigmentation
Tinea versicolor
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder caused by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes, resulting in well-defined depigmented macules and patches. Lesions often appear symmetrically on areas such as the face, hands, and around orifices. Treatment may include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy.
Which viral infection causes grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, often following a dermatome?
Eczema herpeticum
Herpes zoster
Herpes simplex
Varicella
Herpes zoster, or shingles, is the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in a dorsal root ganglion, causing a painful, unilateral vesicular eruption in a dermatomal distribution. Early antiviral treatment can reduce pain and complications.
What is the term for an inflamed hair follicle causing pustules, commonly from Staphylococcus infection?
Furuncle
Folliculitis
Carbuncle
Cyst
Folliculitis is the superficial inflammation of the hair follicle, often due to Staphylococcus aureus, presenting as small, pruritic or tender pustules. It differs from furuncles and carbuncles, which are deeper infections. Management includes topical antiseptics and antibiotics if necessary.
Which skin infection is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and presents with honey-colored crusts, most commonly on the face?
Tinea faciei
Cellulitis
Erysipelas
Impetigo
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus, presenting with vesicles that rupture and form characteristic honey-colored crusts. It is highly contagious, especially in children. Topical or systemic antibiotics are used based on severity.
Which skin disorder is characterized by irregularly shaped target lesions often after herpes simplex infection or drug exposure?
Erythema multiforme
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Urticaria
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Erythema multiforme is an acute, immune-mediated condition characterized by target lesions, often triggered by infections like HSV or certain medications. It typically affects the extremities and can involve mucous membranes in more severe cases. Management includes treating the underlying cause and supportive care.
Which autoimmune blistering disease is characterized by flaccid bullae and a positive Nikolsky's sign?
Bullous pemphigoid
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis
Pemphigus vulgaris
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune acantholytic disorder causing flaccid intraepidermal bullae and a positive Nikolsky's sign. Autoantibodies target desmoglein 3 (and sometimes 1), leading to loss of keratinocyte adhesion. Systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are the main treatments.
Which condition presents as annular, scaly plaques with central clearing, often called ringworm?
Tinea corporis
Nummular eczema
Pityriasis rosea
Psoriasis
Tinea corporis is a superficial dermatophyte infection presenting as annular plaques with an active scaly border and central clearing. The term "ringworm" refers to this ring-like appearance. Diagnosis is confirmed by KOH prep showing hyphae. Topical antifungals are the first-line treatment.
What is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis?
Phototherapy
Topical corticosteroids
Methotrexate
TNF inhibitors
Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, reducing inflammation and scaling. They are often combined with vitamin D analogs. Systemic agents and phototherapy are reserved for more extensive or refractory disease.
Which condition is characterized by pruritic, purple, polygonal papules with Wickham striae on the wrists and ankles?
Pityriasis rosea
Psoriasis
Lichen simplex chronicus
Lichen planus
Lichen planus presents with the six Ps: pruritic, purple, polygonal, planar papules and plaques, often with white, lacy Wickham striae on the surface. Common sites include flexor wrists and ankles. Topical steroids are first-line therapy.
Which condition presents with greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp and eyebrows?
Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Tinea capitis
Atopic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting sebaceous-rich areas like the scalp, face, and chest, presenting with greasy, yellowish scales. Malassezia yeast contributes to its pathogenesis. Treatment includes antifungal shampoos and topical corticosteroids.
Which skin infection is characterized by raised, well-demarcated, painful erythema often on the face?
Cellulitis
Erysipelas
Eczema
Impetigo
Erysipelas is a superficial streptococcal infection of the dermal lymphatics presenting as acute, well-demarcated, raised erythema, frequently on the face or legs. It often has systemic symptoms like fever. Prompt antibiotic therapy is important.
Which disorder causes hypo- or hyperpigmented macules on the trunk that do not tan with sun exposure?
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Pityriasis alba
Vitiligo
Tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor, caused by Malassezia species, presents as hypo- or hyperpigmented macules on the trunk that fail to tan. KOH preparation reveals short hyphae and yeast ("spaghetti and meatballs"). Selenium sulfide or topical antifungals are effective treatments.
What is the chronic vascular disorder marked by central facial erythema, flushing, and telangiectasia?
Acne vulgaris
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Seborrheic dermatitis
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory and vascular condition affecting the central face, presenting with persistent erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, and sometimes papules and pustules. Triggers include heat, spicy foods, and alcohol. Management includes topical metronidazole and laser therapy for telangiectasias.
Which severe mucocutaneous reaction involves mucosal involvement and epidermal detachment of less than 10% of body surface area, often drug-induced?
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Erythema multiforme
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Pemphigus vulgaris
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a life-threatening mucocutaneous reaction, typically triggered by medications, characterized by widespread epidermal necrosis and detachment involving under 10% of body surface area, with prominent mucosal involvement. Supportive care and stopping the offending drug are paramount.
Which panniculitis presents as tender red nodules on the anterior shins and is often associated with streptococcal infection or sarcoidosis?
Panniculitis
Vasculitis
Cellulitis
Erythema nodosum
Erythema nodosum is a septal panniculitis presenting with tender, erythematous nodules on the anterior shins. It can be triggered by infections like streptococcal pharyngitis, medications, or systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes and supportive care.
Which disorder features photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and blistering on sun-exposed areas due to uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase deficiency?
Polymorphous light eruption
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Solar urticaria
Porphyria cutanea tarda
Porphyria cutanea tarda results from deficient uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, leading to porphyrin accumulation that causes photosensitivity, blistering, and hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed skin. Diagnosis is confirmed by elevated urinary uroporphyrins. Treatment includes phlebotomy and hydroxychloroquine.
What is the term for localized scleroderma presenting as waxy, indurated plaques?
Granuloma annulare
Morphea
Systemic sclerosis
Lichen sclerosus
Morphea, or localized scleroderma, presents as localized, waxy, indurated plaques due to excessive collagen deposition in the dermis. It lacks the systemic involvement seen in systemic sclerosis. Treatment often involves topical or systemic immunomodulators.
Which alopecia presents as sharply demarcated, non-scarring patchy hair loss with exclamation mark hairs on biopsy?
Alopecia areata
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Telogen effluvium
Tinea capitis
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune nonscarring hair loss disorder characterized by sharply demarcated patches of hair loss. Exclamation mark hairs and peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates are classic histologic findings. Intralesional corticosteroids are often used in treatment.
Which chronic inflammatory disease causes painful nodules and abscesses in apocrine gland - bearing areas such as the axillae and groin?
Erysipelas
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Folliculitis
Acne conglobata
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic relapsing occlusive disease of apocrine glands leading to painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts in axillary and groin regions. It often requires a combination of antibiotics, biologics, and surgical intervention.
Which cutaneous T-cell lymphoma presents initially with patches and plaques and shows Pautrier microabscesses on histology?
Lichen planus
Mycosis fungoides
Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Psoriasis
Mycosis fungoides is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that initially presents with erythematous patches and plaques. Histology reveals collections of atypical T lymphocytes in the epidermis known as Pautrier microabscesses. Treatment varies by stage and may include topical therapies, phototherapy, or systemic agents.
Which genetic mutation causes epidermolysis bullosa simplex leading to skin blistering from minor trauma?
Desmoglein 3 mutation
Collagen VII mutation
Laminin 5 mutation
Keratin 5 or 14 mutation
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex is caused by mutations in the keratin 5 or keratin 14 genes, which compromise cytoskeletal integrity in basal keratinocytes, leading to blistering with minor mechanical trauma. It is historically less severe than junctional or dystrophic forms. Management focuses on wound care and infection prevention.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Skin Conditions -

    Recognize visual and symptomatic cues for disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea through targeted quiz questions.

  2. Differentiate Similar Disorders -

    Distinguish between skin diseases with overlapping signs, such as contact dermatitis versus atopic dermatitis.

  3. Recall Key Dermatology Terms -

    Reinforce your understanding of medical terminology and definitions related to skin health.

  4. Analyze Symptom Patterns -

    Apply critical thinking to match symptoms and lesion types with the correct diagnoses.

  5. Apply Knowledge in Real-Time -

    Use interactive quiz scenarios to hone your diagnostic skills and immediate decision-making.

  6. Evaluate Your Skin Health Expertise -

    Assess your dermatology knowledge level and identify areas for further study or review.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Lesion Morphology Essentials -

    Understanding primary lesion types - macules, papules, vesicles, and nodules - is crucial for any skin diseases quiz or common skin conditions quiz. For example, macules are flat spots under 1 cm, while papules are raised. A simple mnemonic is "MPV" (Macule, Papule, Vesicle) ordered by elevation.

  2. ABCDE Melanoma Mnemonic -

    The ABCDE rule helps you identify atypical moles in your skin health test: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving lesions. This dermatology trivia staple originates from the American Cancer Society. Regular self-exams using this formula boost early detection confidence.

  3. Atopic Dermatitis vs. Psoriasis Patterns -

    Atopic dermatitis typically presents with intensely itchy, ill-defined patches in flexural areas, while psoriasis shows well-demarcated, silvery scale plaques on extensor surfaces. Remember "Itch in folds" for eczema versus "Scaly seams" for psoriasis as a quick quiz aid. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes these pattern differences in its clinical guidelines.

  4. Rosacea vs. Acne Differentiation -

    In a dermatology trivia showdown, note that rosacea lacks comedones but features persistent facial erythema and telangiectasias, often triggered by heat or spicy food. Acne, by contrast, presents with blackheads and whiteheads. This clear-cut distinction is key to accurately identify skin disorders.

  5. Diagnostic Tools: KOH Prep & Wood's Lamp -

    KOH preparation is your go-to method for diagnosing fungal infections like tinea, while a Wood's lamp highlights hypopigmentation in vitiligo under UV light. Pair these with clinical history for a robust skin diseases quiz approach. These techniques are standard in dermatology protocols from Mayo Clinic and WHO resources.

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