Which skin condition is associated with the positive Auspitz sign?

Which skin condition is associated with the positive Auspitz sign?

• A. Eczema
• B. Psoriasis
• C. Dermatitis
• D. Lichen planus

Answer: (B)

The Auspitz sign is a clinical finding typically associated with psoriasis, which occurs when there is pinpoint bleeding from the surface of the skin following the removal of scale. This sign is indicative of the underlying pathology of psoriasis, where the epidermal turnover is accelerated, leading to thickened, scaly plaques. When the scales are removed, the dermal papillae are exposed, resulting in bleeding. In contrast, conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and lichen planus do not replicate this specific response. Eczema often presents with different characteristics, including inflammation and weeping lesions, but does not typically exhibit the pinpoint bleeding characteristic of the Auspitz sign. Dermatitis, which can refer to a variety of inflammatory skin conditions, similarly lacks this specific association. Lichen planus also presents with distinct lesions that do not show the same response upon scale removal as seen in psoriasis. Thus, the unique association of the Auspitz sign with psoriasis makes this the correct answer.

The Auspitz sign is a clinical finding typically associated with psoriasis, which occurs when there is pinpoint bleeding from the surface of the skin following the removal of scale. This sign is indicative of the underlying pathology of psoriasis, where the epidermal turnover is accelerated, leading to thickened, scaly plaques. When the scales are removed, the dermal papillae are exposed, resulting in bleeding.

In contrast, conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and lichen planus do not replicate this specific response. Eczema often presents with different characteristics, including inflammation and weeping lesions, but does not typically exhibit the pinpoint bleeding characteristic of the Auspitz sign. Dermatitis, which can refer to a variety of inflammatory skin conditions, similarly lacks this specific association. Lichen planus also presents with distinct lesions that do not show the same response upon scale removal as seen in psoriasis.

Thus, the unique association of the Auspitz sign with psoriasis makes this the correct answer.