American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The best treatment option for contact dermatitis after exposure in the woods is a 6-day oral methylprednisolone (Medrol) dose pack, starting at 24 mg. This choice is appropriate because contact dermatitis, often caused by exposure to allergens (such as plants like poison ivy, oak, or sumac), may require systemic corticosteroids to adequately reduce inflammation and immune response, especially if the dermatitis is extensive or involves sensitive areas.

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that helps to decrease inflammation and relieve symptoms such as itching and discomfort associated with contact dermatitis. The dose pack format is designed for tapering, allowing the patient to gradually reduce corticosteroid intake while still providing effective management of inflammation.

In contrast, while topical halobetasol propionate could potentially be effective for localized cases of contact dermatitis, it may not suffice for widespread rashes. The topical mupirocin is mainly an antibacterial ointment and does not address the underlying inflammation associated with dermatitis. Although a tapering course of oral prednisone would also be effective for contact dermatitis, it generally has a higher side effect profile than methylprednisolone and may not be the first-line choice for this condition when a similar effect can be achieved with a shorter course of methylprednisolone