Q.1 Which type of acne lesion is characterized by a closed pore filled with sebum and keratin?
Papule
Pustule
Whitehead
Nodule
Explanation - Whiteheads are closed comedones formed when sebum and keratin remain trapped beneath the skin surface.
Correct answer is: Whitehead
Q.2 Which bacteria is most commonly associated with acne pathogenesis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Propionibacterium acnes
Streptococcus pyogenes
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Explanation - Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes) contributes to inflammation in acne.
Correct answer is: Propionibacterium acnes
Q.3 Excess production of which substance plays a key role in acne development?
Keratin
Collagen
Sebum
Elastin
Explanation - Overproduction of sebum by sebaceous glands contributes to comedone formation and bacterial overgrowth.
Correct answer is: Sebum
Q.4 Which hormone is most closely linked to acne flare-ups during puberty?
Estrogen
Progesterone
Androgens
Cortisol
Explanation - Androgens increase sebaceous gland activity, leading to acne outbreaks.
Correct answer is: Androgens
Q.5 Which of the following is a first-line topical treatment for mild acne?
Isotretinoin
Corticosteroids
Benzoyl Peroxide
Methotrexate
Explanation - Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and keratolytic effects, making it effective in mild acne.
Correct answer is: Benzoyl Peroxide
Q.6 Which type of acne lesion is painful, deep, and can cause scarring?
Papule
Nodule
Whitehead
Blackhead
Explanation - Nodules are deep, painful, inflammatory lesions that often lead to scarring.
Correct answer is: Nodule
Q.7 Which vitamin A derivative is most effective for severe nodulocystic acne?
Adapalene
Tretinoin
Isotretinoin
Retinol
Explanation - Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid used for severe, treatment-resistant acne.
Correct answer is: Isotretinoin
Q.8 What is the term for an open comedone?
Pustule
Blackhead
Whitehead
Papule
Explanation - Open comedones are blackheads, formed when sebum is exposed to air and oxidizes.
Correct answer is: Blackhead
Q.9 Which of the following can worsen acne?
Chocolate
Stress
Cold weather
Daily exercise
Explanation - Stress triggers hormonal changes that can exacerbate acne.
Correct answer is: Stress
Q.10 Which of these treatments should be avoided in pregnant women with acne?
Azelaic acid
Clindamycin
Isotretinoin
Topical benzoyl peroxide
Explanation - Isotretinoin is teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Isotretinoin
Q.11 Which factor is NOT directly involved in acne pathogenesis?
Follicular hyperkeratinization
Excess sebum
Cutibacterium acnes growth
Epidermal melanocyte activity
Explanation - Melanocytes control pigmentation and are not directly related to acne development.
Correct answer is: Epidermal melanocyte activity
Q.12 Topical retinoids work in acne primarily by:
Killing bacteria
Reducing sebum
Normalizing follicular keratinization
Suppressing immunity
Explanation - Topical retinoids reduce comedone formation by regulating keratinocyte turnover.
Correct answer is: Normalizing follicular keratinization
Q.13 Which of the following systemic antibiotics is most commonly prescribed for acne?
Amoxicillin
Tetracycline
Erythromycin
Clindamycin
Explanation - Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline and minocycline, are commonly used in moderate to severe acne.
Correct answer is: Tetracycline
Q.14 Which acne scar type appears as small, deep pits in the skin?
Ice pick scars
Rolling scars
Boxcar scars
Keloids
Explanation - Ice pick scars are narrow, deep scars resembling puncture marks.
Correct answer is: Ice pick scars
Q.15 Which age group is most commonly affected by acne vulgaris?
Infants
Children 5–9 years
Adolescents
Elderly
Explanation - Acne vulgaris peaks in adolescence due to increased androgen activity.
Correct answer is: Adolescents
Q.16 Which of the following is a side effect of long-term oral isotretinoin therapy?
Hair growth
Hepatotoxicity
Hypotension
Hypoglycemia
Explanation - Isotretinoin can elevate liver enzymes, requiring regular monitoring.
Correct answer is: Hepatotoxicity
Q.17 Which topical antibiotic is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce resistance?
Metronidazole
Clindamycin
Vancomycin
Gentamicin
Explanation - Topical clindamycin combined with benzoyl peroxide reduces bacterial resistance.
Correct answer is: Clindamycin
Q.18 What is the mechanism of benzoyl peroxide in acne treatment?
Anti-inflammatory
Comedolytic and antibacterial
Hormonal regulation
Immune suppression
Explanation - Benzoyl peroxide is keratolytic and kills Cutibacterium acnes.
Correct answer is: Comedolytic and antibacterial
Q.19 Which systemic medication for acne requires regular pregnancy tests?
Minocycline
Isotretinoin
Clindamycin
Azelaic acid
Explanation - Due to its teratogenicity, isotretinoin requires monthly pregnancy tests.
Correct answer is: Isotretinoin
Q.20 Which type of diet has been linked to worsening acne?
Low-fat diet
High glycemic index diet
High protein diet
Mediterranean diet
Explanation - High glycemic index foods increase insulin and androgen activity, worsening acne.
Correct answer is: High glycemic index diet
Q.21 What is the role of azelaic acid in acne treatment?
Sebum suppression
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
Hormonal regulation
Scar remodeling
Explanation - Azelaic acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, useful in acne.
Correct answer is: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
Q.22 Which form of acne is seen in newborns?
Acne conglobata
Acne neonatorum
Acne fulminans
Cystic acne
Explanation - Acne neonatorum occurs in infants due to maternal hormones.
Correct answer is: Acne neonatorum
Q.23 Which of these scars results from excessive collagen deposition?
Ice pick scar
Rolling scar
Keloid
Boxcar scar
Explanation - Keloids are raised scars due to abnormal collagen proliferation.
Correct answer is: Keloid
Q.24 Which acne type is characterized by severe inflammation and systemic symptoms?
Acne conglobata
Acne fulminans
Acne neonatorum
Comedonal acne
Explanation - Acne fulminans is severe, ulcerative acne with systemic symptoms like fever and joint pain.
Correct answer is: Acne fulminans
Q.25 Which of the following is NOT recommended in acne treatment?
Frequent face washing
Using oil-free products
Popping pimples
Balanced diet
Explanation - Popping pimples increases inflammation and risk of scarring.
Correct answer is: Popping pimples