& Acne Exam 2026 |Chamberlain
1. What is the primary pathophysiology behind psoriasis?
A. Chronic bacterial infection of the dermal layer
B. Type I hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens
C. Overproduction of melanin in response to UV radiation
D. T-cell mediated autoimmune inflammatory disease
Answer: D
Rationale: Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disease with predominantly
skin and joint manifestations, driven by T-cell mediated autoimmune processes.
2. Which cytokine plays a central role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by
stimulating keratinocyte proliferation?
A. Interleukin-17
B. Interleukin-10
C. Interleukin-4
D. Transforming growth factor beta
Answer: A
Rationale: IL-17 and TNF-alpha are key cytokines in the psoriatic cascade that lead to the
rapid proliferation of keratinocytes.
,3. In psoriasis, the turnover time for keratinocytes is reduced from the normal
26-30 days to approximately how many days?
A. 1-2 days
B. 3-4 days
C. 10-14 days
D. 20-22 days
Answer: B
Rationale: In psoriatic lesions, epidermal turnover is significantly accelerated, occurring in
about 3 to 4 days, leading to thickened skin and scales.
4. What is the ‘Auspitz sign’ commonly observed in plaque psoriasis?
A. Pustule formation after skin trauma
B. Development of a butterfly rash on the face
C. Pinpoint bleeding after removal of a psoriatic scale
D. White lacy patterns on the buccal mucosa
Answer: C
Rationale: The Auspitz sign refers to the appearance of small bleeding points after a
psoriasis scale is peeled away due to thinning of the epidermis over dermal papillae.
5. Which clinical type of psoriasis is characterized by small, drop-like papules
often following a streptococcal infection?
A. Guttate psoriasis
B. Inverse psoriasis
C. Pustular psoriasis
D. Erythrodermic psoriasis
Answer: A
Rationale: Guttate psoriasis typically presents as small, drop-like lesions and is frequently
triggered by a preceding streptococcal throat infection.
, 6. Where is inverse psoriasis most commonly located on the body?
A. Extensor surfaces of elbows and knees
B. Scalp and hairline
C. Skin folds such as the axillae or groin
D. Palms and soles
Answer: C
Rationale: Inverse psoriasis occurs in intertriginous areas (skin folds) and lacks the typical
heavy scaling seen in plaque psoriasis.
7. Which condition is a potentially life-threatening complication of psoriasis
involving widespread skin redness and exfoliation?
A. Plaque psoriasis
B. Tinea corporis
C. Erythrodermic psoriasis
D. Seborrheic dermatitis
Answer: C
Rationale: Erythrodermic psoriasis involves more than 90% of the body surface area and
can lead to severe complications like thermoregulatory failure and infection.
8. The ‘Koebner phenomenon’ in psoriasis refers to:
A. Spontaneous resolution of lesions in summer
B. The development of lesions at sites of skin trauma
C. The tendency for lesions to appear symmetrically
D. Pitting of the fingernails
Answer: B
Rationale: The Koebner phenomenon is the development of skin lesions in uninvolved
skin following trauma or injury.