Cytology showing cocci with PMNs is most consistent with which condition?

• A. Superficial pyoderma
• B. Fungal dermatitis
• C. Mites infestation
• D. Lichen planus

Answer: (A)

Cytology showing cocci with PMNs reflects a bacterial infection with neutrophilic inflammation. In superficial pyoderma, you commonly see coccoid bacteria together with a neutrophilic exudate from the superficial skin layers, often caused by organisms like Staphylococcus. This pattern is what sets it apart from the other options: fungal dermatitis would reveal fungal elements such as hyphae or yeast on cytology; mites infestation would show mites or eggs; lichen planus is a non-infectious inflammatory skin condition with different tissue changes and no bacterial cocci in neutrophil-rich exudate. So, the finding is most consistent with superficial pyoderma.