Dermatology exam questions
3 exam-length papers covering every published domain for Dermatology.
DHA DER54213 papers · 469 Qs
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~AED 1,030
Exam fee, per attempt
Published by DHA. Paid again on every re-sit.
3
Attempts - in total
The cap is three across all UAE authorities, not three each.
60%
Pass mark
Pass or fail only. Your score is never released.
One failed attempt costs you the fee again, plus months of delay on your licence, your visa and your start date. This bank costs about a 4th of one exam fee.
Try two questions from this bank
Real questions from the bank - pick an answer to see the rationale and reference.
Q1Papulosquamous and Eczematous Dermatoses
A 45-year-old woman with plaque psoriasis has been on a biologic for 6 months. Her PASI has fallen from 18 to 1.5 and her Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is 1. How should these results be interpreted?
Choose an answer to see the rationale.
Q2Hair, Nail, Adnexal and Mucous Membrane Disorders
A 34-year-old woman with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa has failed topical clindamycin and a 12-week course of oral clindamycin with rifampicin. Which biologic class has established randomised evidence and regulatory approval for this indication?
Choose an answer to see the rationale.
Not sure where you stand? Sit 25 of these questions free, timed at real exam pace, and see which domains you are weakest in.
Take the free mock exam →Liked those? The full bank has 469 questions at this standard - every one with a rationale and a reference.
Get the full bank - AED 289What's inside
- ✓3 full-length papers (~150 Q each)
- ✓469 questions, no overlap between papers
- ✓Four options, one unambiguous best answer
- ✓A full rationale on every question
- ✓A real guideline or textbook reference
- ✓Every sub-topic in the published blueprint
Exam route by authority
| Authority | Delivered by | Specialist title |
|---|---|---|
| DHA - Dubai | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| DOH - Abu Dhabi | Pearson VUE | Computer-based MCQ |
| MOHAP - Northern Emirates | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| SCFHS - Saudi Arabia | Prometric / Pearson | Computer-based MCQ |
| QCHP - Qatar | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| NHRA - Bahrain | Prometric | Computer-based MCQ |
| OMSB - Oman | Prometric | MCQ then oral viva |
Assessment mode depends on your licence title as well as your profession. Confirm your own route on your Sheryan / TAMM eligibility notice.
What the Dermatology exam covers
The published blueprint for this exam breaks into 13 domains and 235 testable sub-topics. Our bank covers every one of them - here is the full map, so you can see exactly what you are expected to know.
Basic Science, Skin Biology, Cutaneous Immunology and Dermatopathology~8% (est.; DHA lists 'Basic Science'; SCFHS Part One allots 10% anatomy/structure/development, 10% innate immunity, 10% adaptive immunity, 5% keratinocytes and dermal-epidermal cohesion)17 topics
- Embryology and development of skin, appendages and neural crest melanocyte migration
- Epidermal structure: keratinocyte differentiation, cornified envelope, filaggrin and the skin barrier
- Desmosomes, hemidesmosomes and the dermal-epidermal junction: target antigens of blistering disease
- Dermal connective tissue: collagen types, elastic fibres, ground substance and wound healing phases
- Subcutaneous fat, cutaneous vasculature, lymphatics and cutaneous nerves
- Melanocyte biology, melanogenesis, Fitzpatrick skin phototypes and photobiology (UVA/UVB, MED, action spectra)
- +11 more in the bank
Papulosquamous and Eczematous Dermatoses~10% (est.; DHA heading; SCFHS Final Written allots 10% to T-cell mediated inflammatory disease)18 topics
- Psoriasis vulgaris: clinical variants (plaque, guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, pustular), Auspitz sign, Koebner phenomenon
- Psoriasis severity assessment (PASI, BSA, DLQI) and treat-to-target thresholds
- Topical, phototherapy, conventional systemic (methotrexate, ciclosporin, acitretin) and biologic (anti-TNF, IL-12/23, IL-17, IL-23) sequencing in psoriasis
- Generalised pustular psoriasis and von Zumbusch flare - an inpatient emergency
- Psoriatic arthritis: patterns, CASPAR criteria, dactylitis, enthesitis, nail involvement, screening tools
- Psoriasis comorbidities: metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, IBD, uveitis, depression
- +12 more in the bank
Urticaria, Erythemas, Drug Eruptions, Purpura and Cutaneous Vasculitis~9% (est.; DHA heading 'Urticaria, Erythemas, Purpura and Connective Tissue Diseases'; SCFHS Final Written allots 10% to neutrophil/eosinophil and humoral-mediated disease)19 topics
- Acute vs chronic spontaneous urticaria: definition, natural history, autoimmune (autologous serum) urticaria
- Inducible/physical urticarias: dermographism, cholinergic, cold, delayed pressure, solar, aquagenic
- Stepwise urticaria therapy: second-generation antihistamine up-dosing, omalizumab, ciclosporin; role and limits of steroids
- Angioedema: histaminergic, ACE-inhibitor induced and hereditary/acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency - C4 and C1-INH testing and icatibant/C1-INH concentrate
- Anaphylaxis recognition and adrenaline administration in the dermatology clinic
- Urticarial vasculitis and hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome
- +13 more in the bank
Vesiculobullous and Autoimmune Blistering Diseases~5% (est.; DHA heading; SCFHS Final Written allots 5%)16 topics
- Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: desmoglein compensation theory, Nikolsky sign, mucosal-dominant vs mucocutaneous
- Paraneoplastic pemphigus and its associated malignancies and bronchiolitis obliterans
- IgA pemphigus, pemphigus vegetans and drug-induced pemphigus (penicillamine, captopril)
- Bullous pemphigoid: BP180/BP230, urticarial prodrome, gliptin- and checkpoint-inhibitor-associated cases
- Mucous membrane (cicatricial) pemphigoid and ocular scarring - urgent ophthalmology referral
- Pemphigoid gestationis and its neonatal implications
- +10 more in the bank
Connective Tissue Disease, Dermal, Subcutaneous, Metabolic and Systemic Skin Disease~8% (est.; DHA headings 'Metabolic, Systemic Diseases and Disorders of Dermal Connective Tissues and Subcutaneous Fat' and 'Skin Manifestations of Other Diseases'; SCFHS Final Written allots 10% plus 5% metabolic/systemic)19 topics
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: acute, subacute (anti-Ro), discoid, tumid, lupus panniculitis and chilblain lupus
- Systemic lupus: ACR/EULAR criteria, antibody profiles, photoprotection, hydroxychloroquine dosing and retinal monitoring
- Dermatomyositis: heliotrope rash, Gottron papules, shawl and holster sign, myositis-specific antibodies (anti-MDA5, anti-TIF1-gamma) and malignancy screening
- Systemic sclerosis and limited cutaneous disease/CREST; skin scoring, digital ulcers, Raynaud management, scleroderma renal crisis
- Localised scleroderma/morphea, eosinophilic fasciitis and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
- Mixed connective tissue disease, Sjogren syndrome and antisynthetase syndrome skin signs
- +13 more in the bank
Cutaneous Infections, Infestations, Bites and Sexually Transmitted Infections~10% (est.; DHA heading 'Infections, Infestations and Bites'; SCFHS Final Written allots 10%)19 topics
- Superficial bacterial infection: impetigo, ecthyma, folliculitis, furuncle/carbuncle and decolonisation of recurrent S. aureus
- Cellulitis and erysipelas: severity classification, mimics (pseudocellulitis), antibiotic choice and MRSA considerations
- Necrotising fasciitis and Fournier gangrene: LRINEC, red flags and immediate surgical referral
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and toxic shock syndrome
- Cutaneous tuberculosis (lupus vulgaris, scrofuloderma), atypical mycobacteria (M. marinum, M. abscessus) and leprosy classification, reactions and MDT
- Superficial fungal infection: tinea capitis/corporis/cruris/pedis/unguium, terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton indotineae, KOH and culture
- +13 more in the bank
Cutaneous Neoplasms and Skin Cancer~9% (est.; DHA heading 'Cutaneous Neoplasms'; SCFHS allots 10% in both Part One and Final Written)18 topics
- Benign epidermal and appendageal tumours: seborrhoeic keratosis, epidermal naevus, syringoma, trichoepithelioma, pilomatricoma, hidradenoma
- Cysts and benign mesenchymal tumours: epidermoid/pilar cyst, dermatofibroma, lipoma, neurofibroma, keloid and hypertrophic scar
- Vascular tumours and malformations: infantile haemangioma (and propranolol), pyogenic granuloma, cherry angioma, port-wine stain, Kaposi sarcoma
- Actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis, field cancerisation and topical field therapy (5-FU, imiquimod, PDT)
- Bowen disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat and keratoacanthoma
- Basal cell carcinoma: subtypes, high-risk features, Mohs indications, hedgehog inhibitors for locally advanced/metastatic disease
- +12 more in the bank
Hair, Nail, Adnexal and Mucous Membrane Disorders~7% (est.; DHA heading 'Adnexal, Hair, Nails and Mucous Membranes Diseases'; SCFHS allots 5% hair/nail/mucosa plus 5% skin appendages)18 topics
- Hair cycle physiology and the trichogram/hair pull, trichoscopy and scalp biopsy
- Androgenetic alopecia in men and women: Hamilton-Norwood/Ludwig scales, minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, antiandrogens, PRP evidence
- Telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium and drug-induced hair loss
- Alopecia areata: patterns, nail signs, prognosis, intralesional and topical therapy, JAK inhibitors
- Cicatricial alopecias: lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, discoid lupus, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis
- Tinea capitis, kerion, trichotillomania and traction alopecia
- +12 more in the bank
Pigmentary Disorders and Photodermatoses~6% (est.; DHA heading; SCFHS Final Written groups pigmentary/adnexal/physical-agent disorders at 10%, Part One allots 5% pigmentation)18 topics
- Vitiligo: segmental vs non-segmental, VASI/VIDA activity assessment, associated autoimmunity screening
- Vitiligo therapy: topical steroids/calcineurin inhibitors, ruxolitinib cream, NB-UVB, excimer, surgical grafting, depigmentation for extensive disease
- Melasma: epidermal/dermal patterns, Wood lamp, hormonal and UV/visible-light triggers, tinted broad-spectrum photoprotection
- Melasma treatment: hydroquinone and non-hydroquinone lighteners, triple combination, tranexamic acid, chemical peels, laser cautions
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, especially in skin of colour
- Ochronosis, drug-induced pigmentation (minocycline, amiodarone, antimalarials, chemotherapy) and heavy-metal deposition
- +12 more in the bank
Pediatric Dermatology and Genodermatoses~8% (est.; DHA heading 'Pediatric Dermatology'; SCFHS Final Written allots 10% to genodermatosis and paediatric dermatology, Part One 10% genodermatosis)18 topics
- Neonatal transient conditions: erythema toxicum neonatorum, transient neonatal pustular melanosis, milia, miliaria, neonatal cephalic pustulosis
- Napkin/diaper dermatitis and its differential (candidiasis, seborrhoeic, psoriasis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, zinc deficiency)
- Infantile haemangioma: PHACE and LUMBAR associations, indications and safety of propranolol
- Vascular malformations: port-wine stain, Sturge-Weber, Klippel-Trenaunay, lymphatic and venous malformations
- Congenital melanocytic naevi: size classification, neurocutaneous melanosis risk, surveillance vs excision
- Paediatric atopic dermatitis: severity, growth and sleep impact, food-allergy testing pitfalls, topical steroid phobia counselling
- +12 more in the bank
Dermatologic Therapeutics and Pharmacology~7% (est.; SCFHS Part One allots 10% to therapeutics; DHA references Wolverton Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy)18 topics
- Topical corticosteroid potency classes, vehicle selection, fingertip units, quantity prescribing and local/systemic adverse effects
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, topical JAK inhibitors, vitamin D analogues and topical retinoids
- Keratolytics, tar, dithranol, antiseptics and emollient/barrier-repair science
- Systemic corticosteroids: tapering, bone protection, glycaemic effect, infection risk and steroid-sparing strategy
- Methotrexate: dosing, folate, hepatotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity, drug interactions, contraception
- Ciclosporin: nephrotoxicity, hypertension, duration limits and interaction profile
- +12 more in the bank
Procedural, Surgical, Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology~8% (est.; DHA heading 'Procedural Dermatology'; SCFHS Final Written allots 10%)19 topics
- Surgical anatomy and danger zones: facial nerve branches, temporal branch, spinal accessory nerve, superficial vessels
- Local anaesthesia: lidocaine and bupivacaine dosing limits, adrenaline use in digits, nerve blocks, tumescent anaesthesia, toxicity management
- Antisepsis, sterile technique, surgical site infection prevention and antibiotic prophylaxis indications
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets around skin surgery; bleeding and haematoma management
- Biopsy and excision technique: shave, punch, curettage and electrodesiccation, elliptical excision, margin selection
- Closure options: primary, second intention, flaps (advancement, rotation, transposition, interpolation) and full/split-thickness grafts
- +13 more in the bank
Dermatologic Emergencies, Patient Safety, Professionalism and Ethics~5% (est.; DHA lists 'Patient Safety' and 'Professionalism and Ethics' as separate coverage headings for both bands; SCFHS states these are embedded across domains)18 topics
- Recognition and immediate management of dermatologic emergencies: SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP, erythroderma, pustular psoriasis flare, purpura fulminans, necrotising fasciitis, eczema herpeticum, angioedema/anaphylaxis
- Fluid, electrolyte, thermoregulation, analgesia and nutrition in the acutely denuded patient; when to transfer to burns/ICU
- Multidisciplinary escalation and referral thresholds; safe handover (SBAR/ISBAR)
- Patient safety principles: incident and near-miss reporting, root-cause analysis, never events, just culture
- Medication safety: high-alert dermatology drugs, look-alike/sound-alike errors, teratogen controls and reconciliation
- Specimen and laboratory safety: correct site marking, biopsy labelling, avoiding wrong-site surgery, WHO surgical safety checklist
- +12 more in the bank
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