Question:

Nikolsky's sign is seen in which of the following conditions?

Show Hint

Skin slides off with pressure due to loss of epidermal cohesion - seen across many blistering diseases.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Pemphigus
  • Herpes zoster
  • Bullous impetigo
  • All of the above
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Nikolsky's sign is positive when lateral pressure on apparently normal skin causes the superficial epidermis to shear off. It indicates loss of cohesion between epidermal cells (acantholysis or a subgranular split).

Step 2: It is positive in pemphigus (the classic example, due to acantholysis from desmoglein antibodies), in bullous impetigo and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (where exfoliative toxin cleaves desmoglein-1), and in toxic epidermal necrolysis and herpetic or varicella infections with widespread blistering.

Step 3: Since pemphigus, bullous impetigo and herpes zoster can all show a positive sign, the correct response covers all of them.

Step 4: Hence the answer is all of the above.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0