DM vs Lupus Hands — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardConnective Tissue & VasculitisDM vs Lupus HandsSCE Dermatology

A woman with dermatomyositis has symmetric violaceous poikilodermatous plaques running down the lateral thighs, separate from her V-sign and shawl-sign erythema. What is the recognised name for this distribution?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Holster sign

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as E

D is correct. The holster sign is photodistributed erythema or poikiloderma over the lateral thighs in dermatomyositis. Mechanic’s hands are hyperkeratotic fissuring of radial/palmar fingers; Gottron sign is flat erythema over extensor joints; inverse Gottron papules are palmar lesions, and flagellate erythema is a linear whip-like eruption.

Reference: British Association of Dermatologists: dermatomyositis: https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/dermatomyositis