emergency medicine

Pediatrics case: 14‑y girl with earlobe dermatitis

Pediatrics case quiz: 14‑y girl with earlobe dermatitis — exam‑style Q&A and concise rationale for Peds/EM board prep.

Med-Challenger
Feb 20, 2025
emergency medicine Personal Education Question of the Week quick quiz

Subscribe

Subscribe

Earlobe dermatitis on 14‑year‑old: erythematous scaly plaque, left earlobe

Quick take: This pediatrics case tests diagnosis and management of earlobe dermatitis in an adolescent. Focus on distinguishing allergic contact dermatitis, impetigo, and otitis externa — exam-style reasoning for Peds/EM board prep.

A 14-year-old girl recently had her ears pierced. She purchased earrings that she had worn for less than 24 hours when the following dermatitis was noted on her earlobe (see Figure).

Earlobe dermatitis on 14‑year‑old: erythematous scaly plaque, left earlobeFigure.

What is the likely component in the earring resulting in this presentation?

  • gold
  • silver
  • mercury
  • nickel
The correct answer is:

Nickel

 

Educational Objective:

Describe the diagnosis and etiology of nickel dermatitis.

Explanation:

Dermatitis developing from contact with jewelry and metal items on clothing is likely due to nickel dermatitis. A frequent site of presentation for nickel sensitivity is on the earlobes from nickel-containing earrings. It is best to delay ear piercing until after a child is 10 years of age or older to reduce the likelihood of nickel sensitivity.

Reference:

Dickey BZ, Chiu YE. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed., 2015:3150-3155.

This question appears in Med-Challenger Emergency Medicine Review with CME

Try for free and save. Ace your exams and meet your CME/MOC requirements for just $35 a month!

Emergency Medicine Exam Review (CME course)

QuizButton-1

No matter your program, no matter the size, Med-Challenger for Groups and Institutions can better prepare your program or group, fulfill industry requirements, and increase test scores.
 
For personal medical education that includes board's prep, MOC, and CME requirements, Med-Challenger has you covered in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, OBGYN, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners.

 
Never miss a thing. Subscribe to our blog and save!
SUBSCRIBE Medical Education Blog & Newsletter

 

Similar posts

Pediatric Medicine

#1 Missed Question in Pediatric Medicine This Week

Most Missed Question in Pediatric Medicine: mupirocin 2% ointment for impetigo — quick answer, rationale, and remediation for pediatric clinicians.

Challenger Corporation Jul 10, 2025

Stay informed.

Subscribe to our Medical Education Blog 

Stay informed of new medical education content, certification requirements and deadlines, case-based CME quizzes, and special offers.