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Drug of Choice Cheatsheet — Dermatology (MRCP Part 1)

TL;DR

This drug of choice cheatsheet — dermatology focus (mrcp part 1) summarises the most exam-tested first-line treatments you must know for MRCP Part 1. It highlights 8–12 high-yield dermatology conditions, a mini-case, and common pitfalls. Use it as a fast-reference revision sheet alongside structured practice. Internal links to our MRCP Part 1, QBank, and mock tests help integrate the list into your study plan.


Why this matters

Dermatology is a compact but high-yield section in MRCP Part 1, often testing the alignment between diagnosis and the preferred first-line therapy rather than deep pathophysiology. Candidates frequently score poorly because they mix up similar agents (e.g., topical vs systemic antifungals, tetracycline choices, steroid potencies). Having a clean, exam-focused list helps minimise hesitation.

To strengthen pattern recognition, combine this cheatsheet with the MRCP Part 1 overview on /mrcp-part-1/ and timed blocks in the Free MRCP MCQs on /qbank/.


High-yield Drug-of-Choice Cheatsheet (Dermatology)

The following reflects mainstream UK clinical teaching aligned with the British National Formulary (BNF) and common MRCP-style questioning.

1) Acne vulgaris

  • Mild–moderate: Topical retinoid + benzoyl peroxide.

  • Inflammatory: Oral doxycycline + topical retinoid.

  • Severe nodulocystic: Oral isotretinoin (specialist-only; pregnancy prevention requirements).Reference: BNF acne guidance – https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatments-summary/acne/

2) Rosacea

3) Psoriasis

  • Stable plaque (first-line): Topical vit D analogue ± potent steroid.

  • Widespread/severe: Narrowband UVB → methotrexate.

  • Erythrodermic/pustular: Urgent specialist systemic therapy.NICE psoriasis guideline: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg153

4) Atopic dermatitis

  • General first line: Emollients + topical steroids by potency ladder.

  • Steroid-sparing: Tacrolimus/pimecrolimus.

  • Severe: Dupilumab or ciclosporin (specialist).NICE eczema guidance: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta534

5) Impetigo

6) Cellulitis

7) Fungal skin infections

8) Scabies

9) Herpes zoster (Shingles)

10) Bullous pemphigoid


Table: Quick Dermatology Drug-of-Choice Summary

Condition

First-line Drug

Notes

Acne

Topical retinoid + BPO

Add doxycycline for inflammatory

Rosacea

Topical metronidazole

Oral doxycycline if persistent

Psoriasis

Vitamin D analogue ± steroid

Escalate to phototherapy or MTX

Impetigo

Hydrogen peroxide

Oral flucloxacillin if extensive

Tinea

Topical/oral terbinafine

Tinea capitis needs oral therapy

Scabies

Permethrin 5%

Treat contacts + repeat dose

Zoster

Aciclovir

Start within 72 hrs

Bullous pemphigoid

Potent topical steroids

Systemic if extensive


Five Most Tested Subtopics (Dermatology in MRCP Part 1)

  1. Acne therapy sequencing

  2. Topical vs systemic antifungal decisions

  3. Steroid potency ladder and safety

  4. Rosacea vs acne treatment differences

  5. Emergency dermatoses (erythrodermic psoriasis, SJS/TEN pattern recognition)


Practical example / Mini-case (Exam style)

MCQ

A 26-year-old woman presents with inflammatory acne affecting the cheeks and jawline. She has been using benzoyl peroxide for 6 weeks with partial improvement. No contraindications to antibiotics. What is the next best step?

A) Add topical clindamycinB) Add topical tacrolimusC) Start oral doxycycline + topical retinoidD) Start oral isotretinoin

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Moderate inflammatory acne unresponsive to topical monotherapy should be escalated to oral doxycycline + a topical retinoid (BNF-supported). Oral isotretinoin is reserved for severe nodulocystic acne and requires specialist oversight.


Study table summarising dermatology drug-of-choice treatments for MRCP Part 1 candidates.

Practical study-tip checklist (Dermatology)

  1. Memorise 1–2 drugs per condition — exams rarely test second-line nuance.

  2. Associate drug classes with classic presentations (e.g., permethrin + burrows = scabies).

  3. Revise steroid potency by learning “mild, moderate, potent, very potent” with examples.

  4. Always check if infection requires oral therapy (tinea capitis, extensive impetigo).

  5. Use timed practice on /mock-tests/ every 3–4 days to train recall under pressure.


Common pitfalls (5 bullets)

  • Confusing acne rosacea with acne vulgaris → incorrect use of retinoids.

  • Choosing oral antifungals for minor tinea corporis (topicals are usually enough).

  • Forgetting to treat scabies contacts simultaneously.

  • Misinterpreting widespread psoriasis as mild → under-treating.

  • Choosing antibiotics for contact dermatitis (non-infective).


FAQs

1) What dermatology drugs are most tested in MRCP Part 1?

Topical retinoids, doxycycline, permethrin, terbinafine, vitamin D analogues, and systemic steroids for autoimmune blistering disorders are consistently featured.

2) Do I need to memorise steroid potency classes for MRCP Part 1?

Yes—only at a high level. Understand which conditions need mild vs potent agents and which sites (face, flexures) require lower potency.

3) How many dermatology questions appear in the exam?

Typically a small subset, but high-yield and predictable—usually treatment selection and infection management.

4) Are biologics tested in detail?

Rarely. Expect broad principles (e.g., methotrexate before biologics) rather than naming every agent.

5) What’s the best method to revise dermatology drugs quickly?

Use compact lists like this, integrate with spaced repetition, and practise prescribing scenarios in our Free MRCP MCQs page.


Ready to start?

Dermatology drug selection becomes intuitive with structured practice. Explore the full MRCP Part 1 overview on /mrcp-part-1/, reinforce learning with Free MRCP MCQs on /qbank/, and attempt a timed block on /mock-tests/ to sharpen exam readiness.


Sources

 
 
 

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