Nail Infections — MCQs

10 questions

A 10-year-old boy presented with painful boggy swelling of scalp, multiple sinuses with purulent discharge, easily pluckable hair, and lymph nodes enlarged in occipital region, which of the following would be most helpful for diagnostic evaluation?

All are nail changes seen in cases of psoriasis except:

All are true about psoriasis except:

A 70 year old farmer, presented to you with complaints of yellowish discolouration of his finger nails for the past 6 months, he also gives history of recurrent episodes of itching in the groin for which he used to take local home made herbal remedy. On examination 3 of his toe nails also show similar change with tunneling. Which among the following is the best test for rapid confirmation of your diagnosis?

Which of the following conditions does NOT cause nail pitting?

Pterygium of nail is seen in?

A patient presents with focal alopecia areata. All of the following are associations of alopecia areata except:

Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding nail changes in various conditions?

A young female presented with lacy linear lesions on tongue for a month with elongation of nail fold beyond the nail bed. What is the diagnosis –

Q10

A 30-year-old washerwoman presents with the following lesion. All are correct except:

Nail Infections Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: A 10-year-old boy presented with painful boggy swelling of scalp, multiple sinuses with purulent discharge, easily pluckable hair, and lymph nodes enlarged in occipital region, which of the following would be most helpful for diagnostic evaluation?

A. Bacterial culture
B. Biopsy and giemsa staining
C. Patch test, gram staining and Tzank smear
D. KOH mount (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***KOH mount*** - The symptoms of **painful boggy scalp swelling**, **purulent discharge**, **easily pluckable hair**, and **occipital lymphadenopathy** in a child are highly suggestive of **Tinea capitis**, specifically **Kerion**. - A **KOH mount** is the most direct and rapid method to identify fungal elements (hyphae and spores) in hair shafts and scales, confirming the diagnosis of a dermatophyte infection. *Bacterial culture* - While there is **purulent discharge**, the primary presentation with **boggy swelling** and **hair loss** is more indicative of a fungal etiology. - A bacterial culture would only be useful to rule out secondary bacterial infection, but not as the initial diagnostic step for the described primary fungal condition. *Biopsy and Giemsa staining* - A **biopsy** is an invasive procedure and generally not the first-line diagnostic test for uncomplicated **Tinea capitis/Kerion**, where a non-invasive KOH mount is sufficient. - **Giemsa staining** is primarily used for identifying certain bacteria, parasites, or cellular morphology, but it is not the standard or most efficient method for diagnosing fungal infections of the hair. *Patch test, Gram staining and Tzank smear* - A **patch test** is used to diagnose **allergic contact dermatitis** and is irrelevant to the presented symptoms. - **Gram staining** is for bacterial identification, and a **Tzank smear** is used for viral infections like herpes, neither of which are indicated by the clinical picture of a fungal scalp infection.

Question 2: All are nail changes seen in cases of psoriasis except:

A. Subungual hyperkeratosis
B. Oil drop sign
C. Mees lines (Correct Answer)
D. Pitting

Explanation: ***Mees lines*** - **Mees lines** (or Aldrich-Mees lines) are **transverse white bands** that appear in the nail plate. - They are typically associated with **heavy metal poisoning** (e.g., arsenic), chemotherapy, or systemic illnesses, not psoriasis. *Subungual hyperkeratosis* - This is a common finding in **psoriasis**, characterized by the **thickening of the nail bed** due to excessive keratin production. - It leads to lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed. *Oil drop sign* - The **oil drop sign** (or salmon patch) is a classic psoriatic nail change, presenting as a **translucent, yellowish-red discoloration** under the nail plate. - It is due to psoriasis of the nail bed. *Pitting* - **Nail pitting** refers to the presence of **small depressions or pits** on the nail surface. - It results from defective keratinization of the nail matrix and is a characteristic sign of nail psoriasis.

Question 3: All are true about psoriasis except:

A. Parakeratosis & acanthosis
B. Pitting of nails
C. Very pruritic (Correct Answer)
D. Joint involvement in 5–30%

Explanation: ***Very pruritic*** - While psoriasis can be itchy, it is generally not characterized as "very pruritic" compared to other dermatological conditions like **eczema** or **scabies**. - **Pruritus** in psoriasis tends to be mild to moderate, and it is not a defining characteristic that differentiates it from other skin disorders. *Parakeratosis & acanthosis* - **Parakeratosis** (retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum) and **acanthosis** (epidermal hyperplasia) are classic histopathological hallmarks of psoriasis. - These features reflect the rapid epidermal turnover characteristic of the condition. *Pitting of nails* - **Nail pitting**, onycholysis, and subungual hyperkeratosis are common and characteristic manifestations of psoriasis, affecting up to 50% of patients. - These nail changes are highly indicative of **psoriatic involvement**. *Joint involvement in 5–10%* - **Psoriatic arthritis**, involving inflammation of the joints, affects approximately 5-30% of individuals with psoriasis. - This statistic makes joint involvement a significant comorbidity of psoriasis.

Question 4: A 70 year old farmer, presented to you with complaints of yellowish discolouration of his finger nails for the past 6 months, he also gives history of recurrent episodes of itching in the groin for which he used to take local home made herbal remedy. On examination 3 of his toe nails also show similar change with tunneling. Which among the following is the best test for rapid confirmation of your diagnosis?

A. Tzanck smear
B. KOH mount (Correct Answer)
C. Woods lamp
D. Biopsy

Explanation: ***KOH mount*** - A **KOH mount** (potassium hydroxide) dissolves keratinocytes, allowing for direct visualization of fungal elements such as **hyphae** and **spores** under a microscope. This is the **most rapid and cost-effective test** for confirming fungal infections like **onychomycosis**. - The patient's presentation with **yellowish discoloration** and **"tunneling"** of nails (suggesting onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis), along with a history of recurrent groin itching (potentially **tinea cruris**), strongly points to a fungal infection. *Tzanck smear* - A **Tzanck smear** is primarily used to detect multinucleated giant cells in **herpesvirus infections** (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella-zoster). - It is not useful for identifying fungal elements responsible for nail discoloration or suspected onychomycosis. *Woods lamp* - A **Woods lamp** uses ultraviolet light to detect specific fluorescent substances, particularly useful for diagnosing certain **bacterial infections** (e.g., *Corynebacterium minutissimum* in erythrasma) or some **tinea capitis** species (*Microsporum*). - Most common dermatophytes causing onychomycosis **do not fluoresce** under a Wood's lamp, making it an unreliable diagnostic tool in this scenario. *Biopsy* - A **nail biopsy** (with histology and special stains like PAS) is a highly accurate diagnostic method for onychomycosis, especially when other tests are inconclusive. - However, it is an **invasive procedure**, takes more time for results, and is generally not the **most rapid** initial test compared to a KOH mount.

Question 5: Which of the following conditions does NOT cause nail pitting?

A. Lichen planus
B. Fungal infection
C. Pityriasis Rosea (Correct Answer)
D. Psoriasis

Explanation: ***Pityriasis Rosea*** - This condition primarily affects the **skin**, causing a distinctive rash of oval, pinkish-red patches, often preceded by a **herald patch**. - It characteristically spares the **nails**, meaning nail pitting is not a feature of pityriasis rosea. - Nail changes are not associated with this self-limiting dermatosis. *Lichen planus* - **Nail lichen planus** can cause various nail changes, including **pitting**, longitudinal ridging, pterygium formation, and thinning of the nail plate. - It is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. - Nail involvement occurs in approximately 10% of patients with cutaneous lichen planus. *Psoriasis* - **Nail psoriasis** is common, affecting up to 50% of patients with psoriasis, and **pitting is the most characteristic nail finding**. - Pitting appears as small punctate depressions on the nail surface due to defects in the proximal nail matrix. - Other nail changes include onycholysis (oil drop sign), subungual hyperkeratosis, and salmon patches. *Fungal infection* - **Onychomycosis** (fungal nail infection) typically causes **thickening, discoloration, onycholysis, and crumbling** of the nail. - **True nail pitting is NOT a characteristic feature** of fungal infections, as pitting results from defects in the proximal nail matrix, not fungal invasion. - Fungal infections affect the nail plate and bed differently, causing destruction rather than the punctate depressions seen in pitting.

Question 6: Pterygium of nail is seen in?

A. Pemphigoid
B. Psoriasis
C. Pemphigus
D. Lichen planus (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Lichen planus*** - **Pterygium of the nail** refers to the forward growth of the proximal nail fold over the nail plate, often seen as a V-shaped scarring, which is a characteristic feature of severe **nail lichen planus**. - Other nail changes in lichen planus can include **longitudinal ridging**, thinning, splitting, and anonychia. *Pemphigoid* - Bullous pemphigoid typically affects the **skin with tense blisters** and rarely involves the nails significantly. - Nail changes are uncommon but if present, are usually non-specific, such as **subungual hematomas** or **onycholysis**, not pterygium. *Psoriasis* - Nail psoriasis presents with characteristic features like **pitting**, **onycholysis**, **oil-drop spots**, and **subungual hyperkeratosis**. - While significant nail dystrophy can occur, true pterygium formation from the proximal nail fold is **not a typical finding** in psoriasis. *Pemphigus* - Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disorder characterized by **flaccid blisters** and erosions, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. - **Nail involvement is rare** and usually secondary to periungual blistering, leading to non-specific changes like paronychia or onychomadesis, not pterygium.

Question 7: A patient presents with focal alopecia areata. All of the following are associations of alopecia areata except:

A. Atopy
B. Exclamatory mark
C. Nail pitting
D. Geographic tongue (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Geographic tongue*** - **Geographic tongue** (benign migratory glossitis) is a benign inflammatory condition of the tongue and is generally not associated with alopecia areata. - While its exact cause is unknown, it's typically linked to genetic factors or sensitivities rather than autoimmune hair loss. *Atopy* - **Atopy**, including conditions like **eczema**, **asthma**, and **allergic rhinitis**, is a well-established association with alopecia areata, suggesting a shared immune dysregulation. - Patients with alopecia areata often have a higher prevalence of **atopic diathesis**. *Exclamatory mark* - The presence of **exclamatory mark hairs** (short, broken hairs that are narrower near the scalp) is a **pathognomonic sign** of active alopecia areata. - These hairs indicate ongoing inflammation and destruction of the hair follicles. *Nail pitting* - **Nail pitting**, characterized by small depressions in the nail plate, is a common finding in patients with alopecia areata, reflecting an immune-mediated attack on the **nail matrix**. - Other nail changes, such as **trachyonychia** (roughened nails), can also occur.

Question 8: Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding nail changes in various conditions?

A. Onycholysis is seen in Psoriasis.
B. Mees lines are indicative of Arsenic poisoning.
C. Pterygium of nails is associated with Lichen Planus.
D. Koilonychia is associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency. (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Koilonychia is associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency.*** - **Koilonychia**, or "spoon nails," is primarily associated with **iron deficiency anemia**, not Vitamin B12 deficiency. - In Koilonychia, the nails become **thin, brittle**, and concave in shape. *Onycholysis is seen in Psoriasis.* - **Onycholysis** refers to the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which is a common nail finding in **psoriasis**. - Other nail changes in psoriasis include **pitting**, oil spots, and subungual hyperkeratosis. *Mees lines are indicative of Arsenic poisoning.* - **Mees lines** are transverse white lines or bands that appear across the nail plate, characteristic of severe illness or poisoning. - They are classically associated with **arsenic poisoning**, but can also be seen in other conditions like thallium poisoning or kidney failure. *Pterygium of nails is associated with Lichen Planus.* - **Pterygium unguis** involves the forward growth of the proximal nail fold (cuticle) onto the nail plate, leading to fusion. - It is a prominent and often distinguishing feature of **lichen planus** affecting the nails, which can lead to permanent nail deformity or loss.

Question 9: A young female presented with lacy linear lesions on tongue for a month with elongation of nail fold beyond the nail bed. What is the diagnosis –

A. Candidiasis
B. Psoriasis
C. Geographic tongue
D. Lichen planus (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Lichen planus*** - **Lacy linear lesions on the tongue** are characteristic of **Wickham's striae**, a hallmark feature of oral lichen planus. - **Elongation of the nail fold beyond the nail bed** (known as pterygium formation) is a specific nail finding seen in lichen planus. *Candidiasis* - Oral candidiasis typically presents as **white, creamy patches** that can be scraped off, unlike the lacy lesions described. - It does not typically cause **nail fold elongation** or similar specific nail changes. *Psoriasis* - While psoriasis can affect the tongue (geographic tongue-like lesions) and nails, the classic oral lesions are not described as **lacy linear patterns**. - Nail changes in psoriasis include **pitting, onycholysis, and oil spots**, not usually elongation of the nail fold beyond the nail bed. *Geographic tongue* - Geographic tongue presents as **irregular, depapillated red patches with white borders** that migrate over time. - It is a benign inflammatory condition of the tongue and is not associated with **nail changes** like elongated nail folds.

Question 10: A 30-year-old washerwoman presents with the following lesion. All are correct except:

A. Rule out diabetes mellitus in recurrent episodes
B. Deformed nail plate
C. Tinea unguium (Correct Answer)
D. Caused by normal commensal of GIT

Explanation: ***Tinea unguium*** - **Tinea unguium** (onychomycosis) is a **dermatophyte infection** of the nail plate, typically caused by *Trichophyton* species, not *Candida*. - The image shows **chronic paronychia** caused by *Candida* affecting the nail fold, which is a completely different condition from tinea unguium. *Caused by normal commensal of GIT* - *Candida albicans* is indeed a **normal commensal** of the gastrointestinal tract and can cause chronic paronychia in washerwomen. - Constant **water exposure** allows this opportunistic organism to colonize and infect the periungual tissues. *Rule out diabetes mellitus in recurrent episodes* - **Recurrent candidal infections** warrant screening for **diabetes mellitus** due to impaired immune function and elevated glucose levels. - Diabetic patients have increased susceptibility to **opportunistic fungal infections** including chronic paronychia. *Deformed nail plate* - The image clearly shows **nail dystrophy** with irregular, discolored, and thickened nail plate secondary to chronic inflammation. - **Chronic paronychia** affects the nail matrix, leading to **abnormal nail growth** and permanent deformation.

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free