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100+ Free Arab Board Dermatology Final Practice Questions

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Sample Arab Board Dermatology Final Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Arab Board Dermatology Final exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An 8-year-old boy presents with a sudden eruption of numerous 2 to 5 mm raindrop-like erythematous scaly papules across his trunk and proximal extremities 2 weeks after a sore throat. His antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer is significantly elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Pityriasis rosea
B.Guttate psoriasis
C.Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
D.Secondary syphilis
Explanation: Guttate psoriasis characteristically presents as an acute eruption of small, drop-like (guttate) erythematous papules and plaques with fine silvery scale on the trunk and limbs following group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. It carries a strong association with HLA-Cw6 and elevated ASO titers. Many pediatric cases resolve spontaneously within several months, though a subset eventually progresses to chronic plaque psoriasis.
2A 45-year-old woman with chronic plaque psoriasis experiences acute fever, leukocytosis, and the rapid development of generalized erythroderma studded with sheets of tiny, sterile, non-follicular pustules coalescing into 'lakes of pus' after sudden cessation of systemic corticosteroids. What is the definitive mechanism underlying the targeted therapeutic spesolimab in this condition?
A.Neutralization of soluble and membrane-bound TNF-alpha
B.Selective blockade of the interleukin-17A homodimer
C.Inhibition of the interleukin-36 receptor (IL-36R)
D.Competitive antagonism of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)
Explanation: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP / Von Zumbusch) is driven by unchecked interleukin-36 pathway hyperactivation, often linked to loss-of-function mutations in IL36RN (encoding the IL-36 receptor antagonist). Spesolimab is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that binds selectively to the IL-36 receptor, halting downstream neutrophilic recruitment and inflammatory cascade activation. Systemic corticosteroid withdrawal is a classic well-known trigger for severe GPP flares.
3A 52-year-old man presents with pruritic, polygonal, flat-topped violaceous papules on his flexor wrists and ankles. Close inspection under magnification reveals fine reticulated white lines on the surface (Wickham striae). Which underlying viral infection has the strongest epidemiological association with this disorder?
A.Hepatitis C virus
B.Epstein-Barr virus
C.Human papillomavirus 16
D.Cytomegalovirus
Explanation: Lichen planus (LP) is a cell-mediated autoimmune dermatosis with a well-established global association with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, particularly in mucosal and erosive variants. All patients presenting with widespread or erosive LP should be screened for HCV serology and transaminase elevation. Histopathology demonstrates a classic lichenoid interface dermatitis with dense band-like lymphocytic infiltrates at the dermo-epidermal junction and apoptotic basal keratinocytes (Civatte bodies).
4A 22-year-old woman presents with an oval, 3 cm salmon-colored plaque on her trunk with an inner collarette of fine scale. Over the subsequent 10 days, multiple smaller oval lesions erupt along the lines of skin cleavage on her back in a 'Christmas tree' distribution. What is the most appropriate management strategy?
A.Initiation of oral methotrexate 15 mg weekly
B.Immediate administration of intravenous acyclovir
C.Prescription of oral terbinafine for 4 weeks
D.Reassurance and symptomatic treatment with topical antipruritics
Explanation: Pityriasis rosea is a benign, self-limiting exanthem characterized by an initial herald patch followed by secondary eruptions oriented along Langer cleavage lines, associated with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7 reactivation. The eruption typically resolves spontaneously within 6 to 8 weeks. Management is supportive, consisting of reassurance, mild topical corticosteroids or calamine lotion for pruritus, and oral antihistamines if needed.
5A 58-year-old man presents with progressive erythroderma characterized by follicular hyperkeratotic papules, well-demarcated 'islands of normal skin' within erythematous sheets, and prominent orange-red waxy keratoderma of his palms and soles. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Pityriasis rosea
B.Pityriasis rubra pilaris (Type I classic adult)
C.Sézary syndrome
D.Secondary syphilis
Explanation: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) Type I (classic adult) presents with craniocaudal spread of follicular hyperkeratotic papules on an erythematous base, distinctive 'islands of normal skin' (islands of sparing) within generalized erythroderma, and thick orange-red waxy keratoderma of the palms and soles ('PRP sandals'). Familial cases are associated with gain-of-function mutations in the CARD14 gene. Systemic retinoids (acitretin) and IL-23/IL-17 antagonists are effective therapeutic options.
6A 4-year-old child presents with intensely pruritic, xerotic, excoriated eczematous patches localized predominantly to the antecubital and popliteal fossae. His father has allergic rhinitis and his mother has asthma. What epidermal barrier structural protein is most frequently mutated in this patient's underlying disease?
A.Filaggrin (FLG)
B.Desmoglein 1 (DSG1)
C.Type VII collagen (COL7A1)
D.Keratin 10 (KRT10)
Explanation: Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene are the strongest known genetic risk factor for atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris. Filaggrin is essential for epidermal differentiation, corneocyte compaction, and the generation of natural moisturizing factors (NMF), and its deficiency leads to skin barrier disruption, increased transepidermal water loss, and enhanced allergen penetration.
7A 32-year-old man with severe refractory atopic dermatitis covering 40% of his body surface area fails intensive topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors. Dupilumab is prescribed. What is the exact molecular target of this therapeutic monoclonal antibody?
A.Interleukin-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα)
B.Interleukin-17A ligand
C.Interleukin-4 receptor alpha subunit (IL-4Rα)
D.Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1)
Explanation: Dupilumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against the shared interleukin-4 receptor alpha subunit (IL-4Rα). By binding IL-4Rα, it inhibits dual signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13 (the key Type 2 / Th2 cytokines driving atopic inflammation), leading to rapid suppression of pruritus, epidermal hyperplasia, and inflammatory gene expression.
8A 26-year-old female hairdresser presents with vesicular, oozing, and lichenified dermatitis on her hands and along her scalp hairline after using permanent black hair dyes. Patch testing demonstrates a strong +++ reaction to paraphenylenediamine (PPD). What immunological mechanism mediates this positive test reaction?
A.Type I IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity
B.Type IV T-cell-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity
C.Type II antibody-dependent cytotoxic hypersensitivity
D.Type III immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity
Explanation: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to contact allergens such as paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and nickel is a classic Type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity reaction. The sensitization phase involves hapten-protein conjugate uptake by Langerhans cells and priming of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes; the elicitation phase occurs upon re-exposure within 48 to 72 hours, resulting in T-cell recruitment, cytokine release, and spongiotic dermatitis.
9A 30-year-old previously healthy man presents with severe, sudden-onset, explosive seborrheic dermatitis involving his scalp, eyebrows, nasolabial folds, and entire anterior chest that is completely recalcitrant to topical ketoconazole and mild corticosteroids. Which screening test is most urgently indicated?
A.Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) serology
B.Serum protein electrophoresis
C.Patch testing for textile dyes
D.Anti-dsDNA antibody titer
Explanation: Severe, sudden-onset, or treatment-refractory seborrheic dermatitis is a well-recognized cutaneous marker of acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or progressive immunosuppression (occurring in up to 80% of patients with advanced HIV/AIDS). It is also seen in neurologic conditions like Parkinson disease. Patients presenting with unusually explosive or atypical seborrheic dermatitis must be tested for HIV.
10A 64-year-old postmenopausal woman presents with severe vulvar pruritus and dyspareunia. Examination reveals porcelain-white sclerotic plaques with ecchymoses affecting the labia minora and perianal region in a 'figure-of-eight' distribution, with resorption of the labia minora. What is the first-line medical therapy, and what malignancy requires long-term surveillance in affected tissues?
A.Oral methotrexate; Basal cell carcinoma
B.Topical 5-fluorouracil; Malignant melanoma
C.Topical tacrolimus 0.1%; Extramammary Paget disease
D.Superpotent topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate 0.05%); Squamous cell carcinoma
Explanation: Lichen sclerosus (et atrophicus) of the vulva presents with ivory-white atrophic plaques, architectural distortion ('keyhole' or 'figure-of-eight' pattern), and severe pruritus. First-line therapy is ultra-potent topical corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment). Chronic lichen sclerosus carries a 4% to 5% lifetime risk of developing HPV-negative vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), mandating lifelong surveillance.

About the Arab Board Dermatology Final Exam

The Arab Board Dermatology and Venereology Final Written Examination is the terminal written specialty assessment administered by the Arab Board of Health Specializations across Arab League member countries. It consists of approximately 150 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions in clinical-vignette format, completed in roughly three hours. The examination assesses comprehensive diagnostic and management mastery across clinical dermatology, immunobullous diseases, connective tissue disorders, sexually transmitted infections, andrology, dermatopathology, pediatric genodermatoses, dermatologic surgery, laser therapy, and modern dermatopharmacology including biologics and small molecules.

Assessment

A single written paper of single-best-answer MCQs in clinical-vignette style covering clinical dermatology, sexually transmitted infections, andrology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, dermatosurgery, laser therapy, and dermatopharmacology.

Time Limit

Approximately 3 hours

Passing Score

No single fixed pass mark is published publicly by ABHS; a threshold of around 60% is commonly reported by candidates, though the definitive standard is set by the Arab Board Scientific Council of Dermatology and Venereology. Confirm with your training centre.

Exam Fee

Set by the Arab Board of Health Specializations and national councils in member countries and revised periodically; confirm the current final examination fee with your local Arab Board office. (Arab Board of Health Specializations (ABHS) - Scientific Council of Dermatology and Venereology)

Arab Board Dermatology Final Exam Content Outline

25%

Papulosquamous, Eczematous & Bullous Dermatoses

Pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, immunopathology, and targeted therapy for psoriasis, lichen planus, eczema, pemphigus, pemphigoid, and related blistering diseases.

10%

Connective Tissue & Autoimmune Diseases

Autoantibody profiles, systemic associations, and treatment algorithms for cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, morphea, and vasculitis.

12%

Infectious Dermatology & Infestations

Clinical presentation and lab identification of bacterial infections, mycobacterioses (tuberculosis, leprosy), superficial/deep mycoses, viral dermatoses, leishmaniasis, and scabies.

10%

Sexually Transmitted Infections & Andrology

Syphilis staging and therapy, urethritis, genital ulcer syndromes, HPV manifestations, semen parameters, and male reproductive dermatologic disorders.

10%

Pediatric Dermatology & Genodermatoses

Infantile hemangiomas, PHACE syndrome, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, inherited ichthyoses, epidermolysis bullosa, and neonatal dermatoses.

10%

Cutaneous Oncology & Melanocytic Lesions

Melanoma AJCC staging and margins, BCC and SCC high-risk features, cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (MF/Sezary), Kaposi sarcoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma.

8%

Dermatopathology & Diagnostic Techniques

Histopathologic reaction patterns, interface dermatitis, panniculitis, special stains, immunofluorescence, and dermoscopic algorithms.

10%

Dermatosurgery, Laser Therapy & Cosmetic Dermatology

Local anesthesia safety, Mohs surgery, surgical margins and flap design, selective photothermolysis, laser systems, and complications of botulinum toxin and fillers.

15%

Dermatopharmacology & Systemic Therapeutics

Mechanism, safety monitoring, and indications for biologics, JAK inhibitors, immunosuppressants, systemic retinoids, and identification of life-threatening drug reactions.

How to Pass the Arab Board Dermatology Final Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No single fixed pass mark is published publicly by ABHS; a threshold of around 60% is commonly reported by candidates, though the definitive standard is set by the Arab Board Scientific Council of Dermatology and Venereology. Confirm with your training centre.
  • Assessment: A single written paper of single-best-answer MCQs in clinical-vignette style covering clinical dermatology, sexually transmitted infections, andrology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, dermatosurgery, laser therapy, and dermatopharmacology.
  • Time limit: Approximately 3 hours
  • Exam fee: Set by the Arab Board of Health Specializations and national councils in member countries and revised periodically; confirm the current final examination fee with your local Arab Board office.

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Arab Board Dermatology Final Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master diagnostic algorithms for immunobullous and connective tissue diseases, focusing on direct immunofluorescence patterns, target autoantigens, and salt-split skin localization.
2Thoroughly review mechanism-specific indications and safety monitoring for dermatologic biologics (anti-TNF, anti-IL-17, anti-IL-23, anti-IL-4R) and JAK inhibitors, including screening for latent TB and opportunistic infections.
3Consolidate classic histopathologic reaction patterns (spongiotic, interface, psoriasiform, granulomatous, panniculitis) and special histochemical stains (PAS, Fite, Congo red, Fontana-Masson).
4Memorize quantitative surgical and oncologic guidelines: melanoma surgical excision margins based on Breslow depth, local anesthetic maximum dosage thresholds, and SCORTEN parameters.
5Practice timed 50-to-100 question blocks to build stamina for the 3-hour, 150-question clinical vignette pacing required on exam day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Arab Board Dermatology and Venereology Final Written Exam?

The final written examination is a single paper consisting of approximately 150 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in clinical-vignette style, completed in about three hours. It is administered under the auspices of the Arab Board Scientific Council of Dermatology and Venereology across accredited centres in member Arab countries.

What is the passing standard for the Arab Board Dermatology Final Written Exam?

ABHS does not publish a single fixed passing score publicly. A threshold of approximately 60% is standardly reported by candidate cohorts, but the definitive pass mark is set by the Scientific Council using standard-setting methodologies. Candidates should confirm passing criteria with their local program director or Arab Board office.

What major specialty domains are evaluated in the final examination?

The final written exam tests the breadth of dermatologic practice: general and medical dermatology, immunodermatology, connective tissue disease, pediatric dermatology, genodermatoses, infectious dermatology (including endemic tropical infections and leishmaniasis), sexually transmitted infections, andrology, cutaneous oncology, dermatopathology, dermatosurgery, laser physics, and advanced dermatopharmacology (biologics and small molecules).

How are dermatopathology and dermatosurgery tested on the written exam?

Written questions frequently present clinical vignettes describing key histopathologic findings (such as inflammatory patterns, direct immunofluorescence deposition, special stain results) and dermoscopic structures (pigment networks, vascular patterns). Dermatosurgery questions focus on surgical margin guidelines, local flap geometry, local anesthetic toxicity calculations, and laser parameters.

Are these practice questions official Arab Board exam questions?

No. These 100 practice questions are original peer-reviewed practice items crafted by medical educators to reflect the difficulty, blueprint distribution, and vignette style of the Arab Board Dermatology and Venereology Final Written Exam. They serve as an educational preparation tool and are not official or disclosed ABHS materials.