Acne and Scabies Quiz

Which dietary habit is most strongly linked to increased acne severity?

• High intake of polyunsaturated fats

• Mediterranean diet adherence

• Regular consumption of high-glycemic index foods

• Low dairy protein intake

Which of the following is a key precaution when using topical benzoyl peroxide?

• Avoid contact with water

• May bleach fabrics or hair

• Should only be used at night

• Use with keratolytic agents for better effect

Which of the following is most important when advising a patient starting oral doxycycline for acne?

• Take it with milk to reduce stomach upset

• Lie down immediately after taking to aid absorption

• Combine with isotretinoin to enhance effect

• Take with plenty of water, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals

A 17-year-old male presents to the pharmacy with multiple blackheads and a few whiteheads on his forehead and nose. He denies any pain, nodules, or scarring. His skin is oily, and he has no history of depression, hormonal abnormalities, or systemic illness. He is concerned about how his skin looks but says it doesn’t affect his daily life. What is the most appropriate initial management approach for this patient?

• Refer urgently to dermatology for isotretinoin initiation

• Start oral doxycycline twice daily for 4–6 weeks

• Reassure and recommend topical benzoyl peroxide once daily

• Request endocrinology referral to assess for hormonal imbalance

A 17-year-old with acne unresponsive to topical treatment, irregular menses, and hirsutism should be investigated for:

• Cushing syndrome

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Androgen excess

• Vitamin D deficiency

A 19-year-old female presents with painful, inflamed nodules and cysts on her jawline and cheeks. She has been self-treating with over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide for several months with minimal improvement. She mentions feeling extremely self-conscious, avoids social activities, and has recently expressed to a friend that she feels hopeless about her appearance. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

• Continue current treatment and reassess in 3 months

• Recommend oral doxycycline and start topical tretinoin

• Refer urgently due to presence of nodulocystic acne and psychological distress

• Add clindamycin and counsel on diet modification

How long does it typically take for scabies symptoms to appear in someone without previous exposure?

• 1–3 days

• 5–10 days

• 2–6 weeks

• 6–12 weeks

Why is treatment of asymptomatic close contacts necessary in scabies?

• Mites cannot survive outside of the host

• The condition is vaccine-preventable

• Incubation period allows undetected transmission

• Reinfection is impossible if symptoms are absent

Which treatment is typically reserved for scabies in infants under 2 months of age?

• Permethrin 5% cream

• Sulphur 6% in petroleum base

• Benzyl benzoate 25%

• Ivermectin tablets

A symptom that most strongly supports scabies diagnosis is:

• Nocturnal pruritus with family members affected

• Erythema without itch

• Painful pustules with fever

• Isolated skin plaques without burrows