National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the appropriate diagnosis for a patient with yellowish and whitish crust on oily parts of the scalp and face?

1. Psoriasis

2. Eczema

3. Seborrheic dermatitis

4. Contact dermatitis

The correct answer is: Seborrheic dermatitis

The presence of yellowish and whitish crust on oily areas of the scalp and face most closely aligns with the characteristics of seborrheic dermatitis. This condition typically manifests as greasy scales and crusts in areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, such as the scalp, face, and occasionally the chest. Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which thrives in oily environments, leading to inflammation and the production of these distinctive crusts. The crusting may vary in color from yellowish to whitish, and the condition may also present with redness and itching. In contrast, psoriasis usually presents with thick, silvery scales and red patches that can occur on various body parts, but it is not specifically characterized by the oily, crusty sites seen in seborrheic dermatitis. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, tends to involve dry, itchy patches rather than oily lesions and often appears in a different distribution. Contact dermatitis arises from a specific irritant or allergen exposure, resulting in localized redness, swelling, and vesicles, which wouldn’t necessarily present as the described crusty lesions. Thus, the combination of oily scalp and facial crusts distinctly