FMGE 2026 - Dermatology Practice Questions

Q: An individual develops a high-grade fever lasting for 3 days, after which a vesicular rash appears. The rash is predominantly centripetal, involving the trunk more than the extremities, as shown in the image. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Chickenpox (Varicella). ***Chickenpox (Varicella)*** - The classic presentation involves a prodromal **fever** followed by a **centripetal distribution** of rash, where lesions are most concentrated on the **trunk** rather than the extremities. - The rash typically appears in **crops** and progresses through stages of **macules, papules, vesicles, and crusts** simultaneously (pleomorphism). *Dengue* - Characterized by a **biphasic fever** (

Q: A woman with diabetes mellitus presents with an asymptomatic skin lesion present for the past one year. On examination, there is a non-scaly, annular lesion as shown in the image. There is no itching or pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Granuloma annulare. ***Granuloma annulare*** - This condition is classically associated with **diabetes mellitus** and presents as **asymptomatic, non-scaly**, annular plaques with a smooth surface. - The lesions are typically characterized by a **ring of papules** with central clearing and are frequently found on the **dorsal surfaces of the hands** and feet. *Tinea corporis* - This is a **dermatophyte fungal infection** that typically presents with **scaly, erythematous borders** and active peripheral inflammation. - Unlike the lesion in the prompt, tinea corporis is usually **pruritic** and requires antifungal treatment, making it less likely in an asymptomatic, non-scaly presentation. *Annular lichen planus* - While lichen planus can present with annular plaques, the lesions are typically **violaceous, flat-topped papules** with characteristic **Wickham striae** (white lacy lines). - Lichen planus lesions are notoriously **pruritic** and often affect flexural surfaces, distinguishing them from the asymptomatic, non-scaly nature of granuloma annulare. *Annular psoriasis* - Psoriasis of the annular type, like other forms of psoriasis, typically presents with **thick, silvery-white micaceous scales**. - The condition is often **symptomatic** (itching) and does not show the smooth, non-scaly border characteristic of the patient's lesion.

Q: A 25 year old male presented with fast moving serpiginous rash on the body. What is the causative agent?

S. stercoralis. ***S. stercoralis*** - This presentation is characteristic of **larva currens**, a cutaneous eruption caused by subcutaneous migration of **Strongyloides stercoralis** larvae. - It is distinguished by its extremely rapid movement, often advancing at a rate of up to **5-10 cm per hour**. *Ancylostoma braziliense* - This organism causes **cutaneous larva migrans (CLM)**, which is characterized by slowly advancing, pruritic, serpiginous tracts. - Unlike *S. stercoralis*, the movement of the larval tracts in CLM is very slow, typically only **a few millimeters to centimeters per day**. *Cutaneous larva migrans due to hookworm species* - This is a clinical description of the condition caused by animal hookworm larvae penetrating the skin. - It is defined by slow progression and intense **serpiginous itching**, lacking the pathognomonic speed of **larva currens**. *Sarcoptes scabiei* - This parasite causes **scabies**, which presents with intense nocturnal pruritus and localized burrows, particularly in finger webs. - The burrows are typically stationary and do not manifest as rapidly extending, migratory serpiginous rashes.

Question 1

An individual develops a high-grade fever lasting for 3 days, after which a vesicular rash appears. The rash is predominantly centripetal, involving the trunk more than the extremities, as shown in the image. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Answer

Dengue

Answer

Smallpox

Answer

Measles

Question 2

A woman with diabetes mellitus presents with an asymptomatic skin lesion present for the past one year. On examination, there is a non-scaly, annular lesion as shown in the image. There is no itching or pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Granuloma annulare

Answer

Tinea corporis

Answer

Annular lichen planus

Answer

Annular psoriasis

Question 3

A 25 year old male presented with fast moving serpiginous rash on the body. What is the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

S. stercoralis

Answer

Ancylostoma braziliense

Answer

Cutaneous larva migrans due to hookworm species

Answer

Sarcoptes scabiei

FMGE 2026 — Dermatology