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Pathology · single question

Same patient (10-year-old). Four weeks later, they develop target lesions around the mouth. What is the diagnosis?

  1. Aphthous stomatitis
  2. Secondary herpes labialis
  3. Angular cheilitis
  4. Erythema multiforme (Type IV hypersensitivity)
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Correct answer: A. Aphthous stomatitis

  • A. Correct. Four weeks after the Type I reaction, target lesions around the mouth represent Type IV (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity = Erythema multiforme. Target lesions are pathognomonic.
  • B. Incorrect. Herpes labialis shows vesicles on the vermilion border, not target lesions.
  • C. Incorrect. Aphthous ulcers are round/oval ulcers with yellow-white base and red halo — not target lesions.
  • D. Incorrect. Angular cheilitis occurs at lip commissures from Candida or nutritional deficiency.

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