PHAR 501 Final exam Question and
answers already passed 2025
Atopic dermatitis is driven by (external/genetic) factors while contact
dermatitis is driven by (external/genetic) factors. - correct answers Atopic:
genetic
Contact: external
Contact dermatitis develops on what location of the body?
A) all over the body
B) skin folds and exposed skin surfaces
C) site of of physical contact with irritant or allergen - correct answers C
Where does atopic dermatitis (AD) develop on the body? - correct answers all
over, but especially in skin folds and exposed skin surfaces
When does atopic dermatitis usually start presenting? - correct answers
Infancy or early childhood
What are the 3 components of the Atopic Triad, aka the Atopic March? -
correct answers 1. Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
2. Asthma
3. Hay fever
In atopic dermatitis, what layer of the skin is less moisturized? - correct
answers stratum corneum
,What are the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis? - correct answers -
itching (pruritus)
- eczema (acute, subacute, or chronic)
*face and neck AD seen more in kids, but groin and axillary regions should not
be seen --> refer
In what age group are AD flexural lesions seen? - correct answers any age
group
What are the 3 stages of AD? - correct answers acute, subacute, and chronic
Common signs and symptoms of AD - correct answers Rash with:
- pustules
- vesicles
- YELLOWISH CRUSTING
What stage of AD is more scaly? - correct answers subacute
In what stage of AD would you find thickened plaques of skin and accentuated
skin markings? - correct answers chronic
Which level/s of AD is/are appropriate for self-care?
A) mild AD with dry skin and infrequent itching
B) moderate AD with dry skin and frequent itching
,C) severe AD with bleeding, oozing, or extreme itching - correct answers A
only
Refer the others
What class of medication is the first-line treatment for mild AD? - correct
answers topical corticosteroids
Nonpharmacologic treatments for AD - correct answers - moisturize frequently
- lukewarm baths
- moisturize right after bathing
- soft cotton clothing (no polyester)
- avoid overheating and irritants
What type of moisturizer would you want a patient with AD to use first and
why?
A) Humectant
B) Emollient
C) Occlusive - correct answers B) Emollient
fills in and smooths the skin
When should you avoid ointments to treat dermatitis? - correct answers -
weeping or inflamed skin
- hairy areas
- intertriginous areas (skin folds)
, can trap bacteria bc very occlusive
What OTC med would you recommend to a PT looking to treat their mild AD?
- correct answers hydrocortisone 0.5-1%
apply BID during flareups
Counseling points for hydrocortisone - correct answers - apply BEFORE
moisturizers
- avoid on infected/open/cracked skin
- consult MD before using in <2 yo
Exclusions for self-treating AD (5) - correct answers - moderate-severe
- involves large area of the body
- <1 yo
- infected skin
- face/skin folds involved
When should you refer a PT with mild AD to their PCP after recommending
hydrocortisone? - correct answers if no improvement in 2-3 days
[T/F] Hydrocortisone can only be applied to the affected area after
moisturizers. - correct answers false
apply before
answers already passed 2025
Atopic dermatitis is driven by (external/genetic) factors while contact
dermatitis is driven by (external/genetic) factors. - correct answers Atopic:
genetic
Contact: external
Contact dermatitis develops on what location of the body?
A) all over the body
B) skin folds and exposed skin surfaces
C) site of of physical contact with irritant or allergen - correct answers C
Where does atopic dermatitis (AD) develop on the body? - correct answers all
over, but especially in skin folds and exposed skin surfaces
When does atopic dermatitis usually start presenting? - correct answers
Infancy or early childhood
What are the 3 components of the Atopic Triad, aka the Atopic March? -
correct answers 1. Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
2. Asthma
3. Hay fever
In atopic dermatitis, what layer of the skin is less moisturized? - correct
answers stratum corneum
,What are the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis? - correct answers -
itching (pruritus)
- eczema (acute, subacute, or chronic)
*face and neck AD seen more in kids, but groin and axillary regions should not
be seen --> refer
In what age group are AD flexural lesions seen? - correct answers any age
group
What are the 3 stages of AD? - correct answers acute, subacute, and chronic
Common signs and symptoms of AD - correct answers Rash with:
- pustules
- vesicles
- YELLOWISH CRUSTING
What stage of AD is more scaly? - correct answers subacute
In what stage of AD would you find thickened plaques of skin and accentuated
skin markings? - correct answers chronic
Which level/s of AD is/are appropriate for self-care?
A) mild AD with dry skin and infrequent itching
B) moderate AD with dry skin and frequent itching
,C) severe AD with bleeding, oozing, or extreme itching - correct answers A
only
Refer the others
What class of medication is the first-line treatment for mild AD? - correct
answers topical corticosteroids
Nonpharmacologic treatments for AD - correct answers - moisturize frequently
- lukewarm baths
- moisturize right after bathing
- soft cotton clothing (no polyester)
- avoid overheating and irritants
What type of moisturizer would you want a patient with AD to use first and
why?
A) Humectant
B) Emollient
C) Occlusive - correct answers B) Emollient
fills in and smooths the skin
When should you avoid ointments to treat dermatitis? - correct answers -
weeping or inflamed skin
- hairy areas
- intertriginous areas (skin folds)
, can trap bacteria bc very occlusive
What OTC med would you recommend to a PT looking to treat their mild AD?
- correct answers hydrocortisone 0.5-1%
apply BID during flareups
Counseling points for hydrocortisone - correct answers - apply BEFORE
moisturizers
- avoid on infected/open/cracked skin
- consult MD before using in <2 yo
Exclusions for self-treating AD (5) - correct answers - moderate-severe
- involves large area of the body
- <1 yo
- infected skin
- face/skin folds involved
When should you refer a PT with mild AD to their PCP after recommending
hydrocortisone? - correct answers if no improvement in 2-3 days
[T/F] Hydrocortisone can only be applied to the affected area after
moisturizers. - correct answers false
apply before
