Oily and dry skin – causes and management MCQs With Answer

Introduction

Oily and dry skin are common dermatologic phenotypes with distinct pathophysiology, clinical features, and pharmaceutical management. B.Pharm students must understand causes such as sebaceous gland activity, hormonal regulation, genetics, environmental factors, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Key concepts include sebum composition, comedogenesis, barrier lipids, moisturizers, emollients, humectants, keratolytics, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and systemic therapies like isotretinoin. Formulation science — vehicle selection, penetration enhancers, pH, preservatives, and non-comedogenic excipients — is essential for safe, effective products. This revision integrates pathophysiology with therapeutic strategies and formulation considerations. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the primary lipid produced by sebaceous glands that contributes to oily skin?

• Cholesterol sulfate
• Triglycerides and wax esters
• Phospholipids
• Ceramides

Correct Answer: Triglycerides and wax esters

Q2. Increased sebum production is most directly stimulated by which hormone?

• Cortisol
• Insulin
• Androgens
• Thyroxine

Correct Answer: Androgens

Q3. Which measurement directly assesses skin barrier water loss relevant to dry skin?

• Sebumeter reading
• Tranepidermal water loss (TEWL)
• Skin pH meter
• Corneocyte count

Correct Answer: Tranepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Q4. Which ingredient is primarily an occlusive used to reduce TEWL in dry skin formulations?

• Glycerin
• Urea
• Petrolatum
• Salicylic acid

Correct Answer: Petrolatum

Q5. Which topical agent is both comedolytic and keratolytic, useful in oily, acne-prone skin?

• Hyaluronic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Mineral oil
• Clotrimazole

Correct Answer: Salicylic acid

Q6. Which class of drugs decreases sebaceous gland activity systemically for severe nodulocystic acne?

• Topical corticosteroids
• Systemic isotretinoin
• Topical antifungals
• Oral beta-blockers

Correct Answer: Systemic isotretinoin

Q7. For oily skin, which topical vehicle is usually preferred to minimize pore occlusion?

• Ointment
• Cream
• Gel or lotion
• Petrolatum-based balm

Correct Answer: Gel or lotion

Q8. Which moisturizer ingredient acts mainly as a humectant by attracting water to the stratum corneum?

• Petrolatum
• Glycerin
• Dimethicone
• Lanolin

Correct Answer: Glycerin

Q9. Which adverse effect is most associated with topical retinoids if overused?

• Photosensitivity and irritation
• Fungal infections
• Hyperpigmentation
• Increased sebum secretion

Correct Answer: Photosensitivity and irritation

Q10. A B.Pharm student assessing formulations should know non-comedogenic claims refer to products that:

• Always prevent acne
• Do not promote comedo formation
• Contain petrolatum as main oil
• Have a high pH above 9

Correct Answer: Do not promote comedo formation

Q11. Which ingredient is commonly added to dry-skin creams to restore skin barrier lipids?

• Alpha hydroxy acids
• Ceramides
• Isotretinoin
• Sodium lauryl sulfate

Correct Answer: Ceramides

Q12. Benzoyl peroxide treats oily, acne-prone skin primarily by:

• Reducing sebum synthesis
• Antibacterial action and mild comedolysis
• Blocking androgen receptors
• Hydrating the stratum corneum

Correct Answer: Antibacterial action and mild comedolysis

Q13. Which formulation factor increases percutaneous absorption of topical actives?

• High molecular weight of drug
• Use of penetration enhancers and lipophilic vehicles
• Presence of large amounts of insoluble fillers
• Low drug concentration

Correct Answer: Use of penetration enhancers and lipophilic vehicles

Q14. In dry skin management, urea at low concentrations (2–10%) primarily acts as:

• Antiseptic
• Humectant and mild keratolytic
• Sunscreen agent
• Systemic anti-inflammatory

Correct Answer: Humectant and mild keratolytic

Q15. Which topical ingredient is least appropriate for oily, acne-prone skin?

• Water-based gel with alcohol
• Non-comedogenic oil-free moisturizer
• Heavy emollient ointment
• Salicylic acid cleanser

Correct Answer: Heavy emollient ointment

Q16. Which systemic therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy because of teratogenicity and used for severe acne?

• Oral doxycycline
• Isotretinoin
• Oral cephalexin
• Topical clindamycin

Correct Answer: Isotretinoin

Q17. Which preservative concern should B.Pharm students note when formulating emollients for sensitive skin?

• Parabens have zero allergenic potential
• Formaldehyde releasers can cause contact allergy
• No preservatives are ever needed
• All preservatives increase sebum production

Correct Answer: Formaldehyde releasers can cause contact allergy

Q18. Excessive washing with harsh soaps in oily skin can paradoxically worsen oiliness by:

• Reducing androgen levels
• Removing barrier lipids and increasing compensatory sebum production
• Directly increasing ceramide synthesis
• Decreasing sweat gland activity

Correct Answer: Removing barrier lipids and increasing compensatory sebum production

Q19. Which topical antiandrogen or hormonal therapy is used orally for women with androgen-driven seborrhea?

• Spironolactone
• Metformin
• Levothyroxine
• Isotretinoin

Correct Answer: Spironolactone

Q20. A comedogenic index is relevant to formulations because:

• It predicts pH stability
• It ranks ingredients by potential to block follicles
• It measures SPF value
• It quantifies TEWL

Correct Answer: It ranks ingredients by potential to block follicles

Q21. Hyaluronic acid benefits dry skin primarily due to its:

• Antibacterial properties
• High hygroscopic water-binding capacity
• Saponification reaction
• Keratinocyte toxicity

Correct Answer: High hygroscopic water-binding capacity

Q22. Which topical alcohol is commonly used in gels and may cause drying or irritation?

• Polyethylene glycol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Glycerin
• Lanolin

Correct Answer: Isopropyl alcohol

Q23. In patients with dry skin, low skin surface pH aids barrier recovery by:

• Inhibiting lipid-processing enzymes
• Activating enzymes that synthesize barrier lipids
• Increasing bacterial colonization
• Increasing TEWL

Correct Answer: Activating enzymes that synthesize barrier lipids

Q24. Which topical formulation allows maximum spreadability and rapid drying, often used for oily skin?

• Ointment
• Gel
• Cream
• Paste

Correct Answer: Gel

Q25. Which topical antimicrobial targets Cutibacterium acnes and is often combined with retinoids?

• Topical clindamycin
• Topical nystatin
• Topical terbinafine
• Topical hydrocortisone

Correct Answer: Topical clindamycin

Q26. Which ingredient is useful in oily skin cleansers to remove excess sebum due to surfactant properties?

• Ceramide NP
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Squalane
• Mineral oil

Correct Answer: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Q27. Photoprotection is important in patients using topical retinoids because:

• Retinoids increase photosensitivity
• Retinoids block UV absorption
• Retinoids act as sunscreens
• Retinoids reduce melanin synthesis

Correct Answer: Retinoids increase photosensitivity

Q28. Which excipient choice reduces risk of follicular occlusion in oily skin products?

• High concentration of heavy mineral oil
• Use of low-viscosity, non-comedogenic esters
• Providing thick petrolatum base
• Adding chlorinated paraffins

Correct Answer: Use of low-viscosity, non-comedogenic esters

Q29. Chronic use of topical potent corticosteroids on the face can lead to which acne-like condition?

• Rosacea-like dermatitis
• Perioral dermatitis or steroid-induced acneiform eruptions
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo

Correct Answer: Perioral dermatitis or steroid-induced acneiform eruptions

Q30. Which clinical sign suggests a patient with dry skin may benefit from barrier repair therapy including ceramides and cholesterol?

• Excessive sebum sheen and comedones
• Fissuring, scaling, and increased TEWL
• Intense erythema with pustules only
• Oily shine that worsens after moisturizer

Correct Answer: Fissuring, scaling, and increased TEWL

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