Is dermatology high yield on the PEBC exam?

Yes. Common skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and lice are everyday minor ailments, and many of them are within a pharmacist's scope to assess and treat, so they come up often. The exact mix is randomized from one sitting to the next.

What dermatology topics should I focus on for the PEBC?

Focus on acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), rosacea, and lice and scabies, along with the counselling points and the referral criteria for each. Knowing first-line therapy and how to counsel on it matters more than memorizing every product.

Which references should I use for dermatology on the PEBC?

Because most of these conditions are minor ailments, study from your provincial minor-ailments framework and standard Canadian dermatology resources, and be clear on which presentations require referral rather than self-care.

How should I study dermatology for the PEBC?

Learn first-line therapy and counselling for the common skin conditions, then practice the self-care versus refer decision for each. The explanations on this page show which severity or counselling detail decided the answer.

PEBC Dermatology Practice Questions

Dermatology is a practical, high-yield area on the PEBC exam, and most of it sits squarely in a pharmacist's scope. Acne, eczema, rosacea, and lice are common minor ailments, so the questions often test whether you can assess, treat, counsel, and know when to refer.

The questions below sample each of those conditions. The reasoning covers every option, not just the right one, so the severity or counselling detail that settled the question is on the page.

Written and reviewed against current Canadian guidelines and references.

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All 4

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How to approach a PEBC dermatology question

1Most of these are minor ailments you can assess and treat, so the real question is often self-care or refer. Know the red flags that push a case to referral.
2For acne, match the regimen to severity: topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide first, then escalate from there.
3For atopic dermatitis (eczema), lead with emollients and a topical corticosteroid whose potency matches the body site and the severity.
4For lice and scabies, know the first-line topical treatment, the need to re-treat, and the household and close-contact measures.
5Watch for the counselling detail. Application technique, the quantity to apply (fingertip units), and the duration of treatment are common question targets.

Practice questions

Tap an answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

Question 1Acne

Which statement about testosterone therapy and pregnancy prevention is NOT accurate?

Incorrect · Answer: A

PEBC Yield: Highcontraindication-checkmonitoringadr-recognitiondrug-interaction

A) (Correct)

Correct. Amenorrhea on testosterone is not reliable contraception.

Pregnancy potential should be assessed is a close distractor, but pregnancy potential should be assessed when selecting acne therapy.

Teratogenic therapy needs contraception discussion is a close distractor, but teratogenic therapy such as isotretinoin requires contraception discussion.

Hysterectomy changes contraception need is a close distractor, but hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy can change contraception need.

Question 2Acne

Which time frame best fits reassessing acne therapy efficacy?

Incorrect · Answer: C

PEBC Yield: Highmonitoringduration-of-therapyswitching-therapycounselling

1 to 2 weeks is a close distractor, but 1 to 2 weeks is too early for efficacy assessment.

4 to 5 weeks is a close distractor, but 4 to 5 weeks is often still early.

C) (Correct)

Correct. Acne therapy efficacy is generally assessed after about 2 to 3 months, or 8 to 12 weeks.

5 to 6 months is a close distractor, but 5 to 6 months delays adjustment longer than needed.

Question 3Acne

Which schedule best separates benzoyl peroxide from a topical retinoid?

Incorrect · Answer: B

PEBC Yield: Highcounsellingnon-pharmacologicalmonitoringscreening

BPO at bedtime, retinoid at breakfast is a close distractor, but this reverses the usual retinoid-at-bedtime approach.

B) (Correct)

Correct. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly applied in the morning and the retinoid at bedtime.

Both at bedtime is a close distractor, but same-time bedtime application risks retinoid degradation.

Both before exercise is a close distractor, but exercise timing is not the separation strategy.

Question 4Atopic Dermatitis

TL is a 34-year-old male newly diagnosed with mild atopic dermatitis on his forearms. He takes cetirizine 10 mg daily for seasonal allergies and ibuprofen PRN for occasional headaches. His pharmacist is counseling him on initial management. Which of the following is the MOST important first-line non-pharmacological intervention?

Incorrect · Answer: A

PEBC Yield: Highfirst-line-selectionnon-pharmacological

A) (Correct)

Correct. Lubricating skin moisturizers used frequently and liberally are the first-line non-pharmacological therapy for AD. They should be fragrance-free, non-irritating, and used at least daily even when drug therapy is required. Plain petrolatum jelly is highly effective and inexpensive.

Wet wraps are used for extensive or recalcitrant AD but are time-consuming, impractical, and require proper physician education before use. Not appropriate as initial management for mild disease on forearms.

Topical corticosteroids are first-line pharmacological therapy, not non-pharmacological. Would be appropriate if non-pharmacological measures alone are insufficient to control his mild AD.

Ceramide-dominant barrier repair products have mixed evidence. One study showed equivalence to mid-potency TCS, but another showed no difference compared to petrolatum-based moisturizers for mild-moderate eczema. Not established as first-line over simple moisturizers.

Question 5Atopic Dermatitis

MK is a 29-year-old female with asthma (budesonide/formoterol 200/6 mcg BID) and seasonal allergies (cetirizine 10 mg PRN). She also takes a combined oral contraceptive and vitamin D 1000 IU daily. She presents with dry, red, itchy skin on her arms and face for the past 3 weeks. Her BMI is 22. Which of the following conditions is MOST closely associated with her presentation as part of the atopic triad?

Incorrect · Answer: D

PEBC Yield: Highdiagnosis-classificationatopic-triad

Irritant contact dermatitis results from direct skin contact with an irritant and is not part of the atopic triad. Would be suspected if symptoms were localized to a specific area of chemical or occupational exposure.

Seborrheic dermatitis primarily affects sebaceous gland-rich areas such as the scalp, nasolabial folds, and eyebrows. While it is a form of eczema, it is not part of the atopic triad. Would be more likely if she had greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp.

Nummular eczema presents with coin-shaped plaques and is not part of the atopic triad. It would be suspected with discrete, well-defined circular lesions rather than diffuse distribution on arms and face.

D) (Correct)

Correct. The atopic triad consists of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. MK already has asthma and seasonal allergies, making AD the expected third component. Her arm and face distribution is consistent with the adult AD pattern.

Question 6Lice & Scabies

G.M., a 26-year-old male, is diagnosed with scabies. He lives with his girlfriend and two roommates. His girlfriend is asymptomatic. Which statement about treating contacts is most accurate?

Incorrect · Answer: C

PEBC Yield: HighScabiesContact treatmentProphylaxis

Waiting for visible burrows risks ongoing transmission. Scabies contacts may be asymptomatic carriers for weeks during the sensitization period and can transmit the mites.

Delaying treatment for 2 weeks allows continued transmission. All contacts within the preceding month require simultaneous treatment regardless of symptoms.

C) (Correct)

For scabies, ALL contacts (sexual, close personal, household) within the preceding month require treatment, even if asymptomatic. This differs from lice, where only confirmed live lice warrant treatment.

Both household and sexual contacts require treatment, not just sexual contacts. Scabies spreads through direct contact, and all close contacts in the preceding month must be treated simultaneously.

Question 7Lice & Scabies

D.K., an 8-year-old female with head lice, is prescribed permethrin 1% cream rinse. Her father asks about the correct application technique. Which instruction is most appropriate?

Incorrect · Answer: C

PEBC Yield: HighPermethrinApplication techniqueCounseling

Conditioner should be avoided before permethrin application as it may reduce the treatment's ability to adhere to the hair shaft and reduce efficacy.

Permethrin 1% for head lice is left on for 10 minutes, not overnight. Overnight application applies to permethrin 5% used for treatment-failure escalation in head lice.

C) (Correct)

Permethrin 1% should be applied to hair washed with conditioner-free shampoo and towel dried. The treatment is left on for 10 minutes then rinsed.

Applying to dry hair is the correct method for pyrethrins/piperonyl butoxide and isopropyl myristate, not permethrin 1%. Permethrin should be applied to damp, towel-dried hair after washing.

Question 8Lice & Scabies

N.B., a 5-week-old infant, is diagnosed with scabies. The physician asks the pharmacist about an appropriate scabicidal agent. Which treatment is most suitable for this patient?

Incorrect · Answer: C

PEBC Yield: HighSulfurScabiesPediatricPregnancy safety

Permethrin 5% is contraindicated in infants under 2 months of age. This 5-week-old cannot receive permethrin.

Oral ivermectin is reserved for treatment failure or crusted scabies in older patients. Safety data in neonates is limited, and it is not first-line at any age.

C) (Correct)

Sulfur 5-10% in petrolatum has no contraindications, making it safe for infants under 2 months and in pregnancy. Applied at bedtime for 3 consecutive days.

Crotamiton 10% cream is no longer available in Canada and cannot be recommended as a treatment option.

Question 9Atopic Dermatitis

BN is a 27-year-old female with mild AD on her arms. She uses desonide 0.05% cream PRN for flares and takes desloratadine 5 mg daily for allergic rhinitis. She asks her pharmacist about choosing an emollient for daily use. Which of the following properties is MOST important?

Incorrect · Answer: D

PEBC Yield: Highnon-pharmacologicalemollient-selection

Water-based products evaporate quickly and may not provide adequate occlusion. Ointments and thick creams provide better barrier protection for AD. Rapid absorption is less important than sustained moisture retention.

Ceramide-dominant products have mixed evidence. One study showed equivalence to mid-potency TCS, but a second study found no difference versus petrolatum-based moisturizers for mild-moderate eczema. Not established as superior. Would be reasonable but not the most important property.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that can irritate the already compromised skin barrier in AD. Exfoliation is not recommended for atopic skin. Would be more appropriate for psoriatic plaques or acne-prone skin.

D) (Correct)

Correct. Moisturizers for AD should not contain irritants or fragrances. Plain petrolatum jelly is highly effective, non-irritating, and inexpensive. The key priority is avoiding ingredients that trigger flares, not adding active ingredients.

Question 10Rosacea

H.P., a 30-year-old female taking isotretinoin for treatment-resistant rosacea, informs her pharmacist she plans to conceive. What is the minimum washout period before attempting conception?

Incorrect · Answer: A

PEBC Yield: HighIsotretinoinTeratogenicityPre-Conception Planning

A) (Correct)

Correct. Isotretinoin must be stopped at least 1 month before conception. Pregnancy must also be avoided during treatment and for 1 month after discontinuation.

Tempting because a short washout may seem sufficient for a topical-dose equivalent, but isotretinoin requires at least 1 month before conception to ensure adequate clearance of the teratogenic drug.

Tempting because 3 months is a commonly cited washout for other teratogenic medications (e.g., methotrexate), but isotretinoin requires a minimum of 1 month per current guidelines.

Tempting because a conservative approach seems safest with teratogens, but 6 months is unnecessarily long. The guideline-recommended minimum is 1 month before conception.

Want the full bank?

These are a sample. The full bank adds full-length cases and timed mock exams.

Sample full case

One patient with several linked questions, the format the real exam uses for case clusters.

A mother brings her 8-month-old daughter, LL (8.2 kg), to the pharmacy. LL has no known allergies and no significant medical history. The mother reports a persistent red rash in the diaper area for the past 5 days. She describes the rash as bright red with small bumps extending into the skin folds, with a few scattered lesions beyond the main rash border. LL has been fussier than usual, especially during diaper changes. The mother has been using disposable diapers and changing them approximately every 4-5 hours. She cleans LL with scented baby wipes containing alcohol and applies a thin layer of cornstarch powder after each change to keep the area dry. LL is otherwise feeding well and has no fever or other systemic symptoms.

Question 1Atopic Dermatitis

Based on the information provided, which of the following is the most appropriate non-pharmacological recommendation for the pharmacist to provide?

Incorrect · Answer: C

PEBC Yield: Highnon-pharmacological-managementcounsellingdiaper-dermatitispediatricirritant-avoidance

Tempting because petroleum jelly is an effective moisture barrier for prevention. However, applying it thickly over acutely inflamed skin can trap moisture, promote maceration, and worsen irritation. Petroleum jelly is best suited for intact or mildly irritated skin during prevention. Would be appropriate if the skin were intact and the goal were prevention of future episodes rather than treatment of active inflamed dermatitis.

Tempting because cornstarch is a familiar drying agent and the mother is already using it. However, cornstarch in the warm, moist diaper environment promotes Candida albicans growth, which is particularly concerning here given the skin fold involvement and satellite lesions suggestive of candidal superinfection. Would be appropriate if the goal were moisture absorption in a non-fungal, non-moist environment such as dry skin chafing.

C) (Correct)

Alcohol and fragrances in wipes are direct skin irritants that impair barrier recovery and exacerbate inflammation in diaper dermatitis. Clinical guidelines recommend cleansing with warm water or fragrance-free, preservative-free, alcohol-free wipes; for urine alone, water is sufficient. This addresses a modifiable irritant contributing to LL's persistent rash. Would be incorrect if the rash were located outside the diaper area and unrelated to contact irritants.

Tempting because minimizing physical contact with irritated skin sounds logical. However, reducing diaper change frequency prolongs skin exposure to urine and feces, increasing contact with fecal proteases and lipases that directly damage the skin barrier. Frequent diaper changes are a cornerstone of non-pharmacological management. Would be appropriate if the concern were mechanical trauma from excessive wiping rather than prolonged irritant contact.

Question 2Atopic Dermatitis

The mother follows the pharmacist's non-pharmacological advice for 3 days but notices the rash has worsened. The bright red plaques now have clearly defined satellite lesions at the periphery, and the skin folds remain prominently involved. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial non-prescription pharmacological recommendation?

Incorrect · Answer: A

PEBC Yield: Highdrug-selectioncandidal-infectiondiaper-dermatitispediatricotc-recommendation

A) (Correct)

Imidazole antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole) are first-line for candidal diaper dermatitis, with improvement expected within 1 week and resolution by 2 weeks. Clotrimazole 1% is OTC and appropriate for LL given the satellite lesions and skin fold involvement that are hallmarks of Candida. This addresses the underlying fungal infection rather than just symptoms. Would be incorrect if the rash lacked satellite lesions and spared skin folds, suggesting irritant dermatitis alone.

Tempting because hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and is appropriate as an adjunct for severe inflammation. However, corticosteroid monotherapy does not treat the underlying candidal infection and may worsen it by suppressing local immune responses. In candidal dermatitis, the antifungal must be initiated first. Would be correct if inflammation were severe and used as a short-term adjunct alongside an antifungal agent.

Tempting because nystatin is a recognized antifungal for candidal diaper dermatitis. However, nystatin is slightly less efficacious than imidazole antifungals and typically requires 2 weeks to show improvement compared to 1 week with imidazoles. Given that first-line imidazoles are readily available OTC, nystatin serves as an alternative rather than initial therapy. Would be correct if imidazole antifungals were unavailable or not tolerated.

Tempting because zinc oxide is a cornerstone of diaper dermatitis management as a barrier agent. However, zinc oxide has no antifungal activity and addresses only the irritant component. With satellite lesions and fold involvement confirming candidal infection, an antifungal agent is required. Would be correct if the diagnosis were isolated irritant diaper dermatitis without candidal involvement.

Question 3Atopic Dermatitis

The mother begins clotrimazole 1% cream applied three times daily along with zinc oxide 25% as a barrier after each diaper change. She returns 10 days later reporting minimal improvement. The rash remains bright red with persistent satellite lesions, and LL has now developed some small blisters in the affected area. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Incorrect · Answer: B

PEBC Yield: Hightreatment-failurereferral-criteriadiaper-dermatitispediatriccomplication-recognition

Tempting because ketoconazole is a first-line imidazole antifungal and switching within the same class is a reasonable instinct. However, clotrimazole, miconazole, and ketoconazole have comparable efficacy as first-line agents. Switching between imidazoles is unlikely to overcome treatment failure, especially when new blisters indicate a complication requiring physician assessment. Would be correct if the patient had a documented hypersensitivity to clotrimazole specifically and the rash were improving otherwise.

B) (Correct)

Referral is indicated because LL meets multiple red flag criteria: no improvement after more than 1 week of appropriate treatment and development of blisters indicating moderate-to-severe complicated dermatitis. These signs suggest the condition may require prescription-strength antifungals, bacterial culture, or systemic therapy beyond OTC management scope. Would be incorrect if LL had shown partial improvement by 1 week and the rash were improving without new complications.

Tempting because increasing zinc oxide concentration from 25% to 40% strengthens the barrier and absorptive function. However, the treatment failure here is not a barrier issue but a persistent candidal infection with complications. Adjusting barrier concentration does not address the underlying fungal pathology or the new blistering. Would be correct if the primary issue were ongoing irritant dermatitis with inadequate barrier protection and no signs of infection or complications.

Tempting because adding a low-potency corticosteroid to reduce inflammation is part of combination therapy for candidal diaper dermatitis. However, the development of blisters represents a complication that exceeds the scope of OTC self-management. Adding hydrocortisone at this stage delays appropriate medical assessment and may mask worsening. Would be correct if the rash were improving on antifungal therapy but had significant residual inflammation without blistering or other complications.

Full-length cases like this, across every PEBC domain, live in the question bank.

Frequently asked questions

Is dermatology high yield on the PEBC exam?: Yes. Common skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and lice are everyday minor ailments, and many of them are within a pharmacist's scope to assess and treat, so they come up often. The exact mix is randomized from one sitting to the next.
What dermatology topics should I focus on for the PEBC?: Focus on acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), rosacea, and lice and scabies, along with the counselling points and the referral criteria for each. Knowing first-line therapy and how to counsel on it matters more than memorizing every product.
Which references should I use for dermatology on the PEBC?: Because most of these conditions are minor ailments, study from your provincial minor-ailments framework and standard Canadian dermatology resources, and be clear on which presentations require referral rather than self-care.
How should I study dermatology for the PEBC?: Learn first-line therapy and counselling for the common skin conditions, then practice the self-care versus refer decision for each. The explanations on this page show which severity or counselling detail decided the answer.