Follicular hyperkeratosis is also called as

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Biochemistry & Nutrition

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

Phrynoderma is the clinical term for follicular hyperkeratosis, a skin condition resulting from severe Vitamin A deficiency.
It is characterized by excessive keratin plugging the hair follicles, which causes the skin to become rough, dry, and covered with papules.
This distinctive texture is often referred to as "toad skin".

Option A: Bitot's spots are an ocular (eye) manifestation of Vitamin A deficiency, not a skin condition. They are accumulations of keratin debris on the conjunctiva.
Option B: Xerosis cornea refers to the abnormal dryness of the cornea, which is an ocular sign of Vitamin A deficiency. The term itself specifies the cornea, an eye structure.
Option D: Keratomalacia is the most severe ocular complication of Vitamin A deficiency, involving the softening and liquefaction of the cornea, which can lead to blindness. It is a medical emergency affecting the eye, not the skin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of Vitamin A deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize both the skin (Phrynoderma) and eye (Xerophthalmia) signs of Vitamin A deficiency. Early identification and intervention are critical to prevent irreversible complications like blindness.
This condition is most common in malnourished children, so a thorough skin and eye assessment is a key part of pediatric nutritional screening.
What if? If a patient presents with night blindness but has no skin changes, the nurse should still suspect Vitamin A deficiency. Night blindness is the earliest symptom, and a focused dietary history and assessment for other ocular signs like conjunctival xerosis are the next steps.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: "Follicular hyperkeratosis". Recognize that this describes a condition of the skin related to hair follicles.
Next, analyze the options provided. Your goal is to find a synonym for this skin condition.
Evaluate each option based on medical terminology. "Bitot's spots," "Xerosis cornea," and "Keratomalacia" all contain terms related to the eye (spots on conjunctiva, cornea).
By elimination, these three options are ocular manifestations, not skin conditions.
This leaves "Phrynoderma" as the only plausible answer. Confirm this by recalling that Phrynoderma, also known as "toad skin," is the specific term for follicular hyperkeratosis associated with Vitamin A deficiency.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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