Which condition is a contraindication to nicotine patch use?

Which condition is a contraindication to nicotine patch use?

• A. Chronic skin disease
• B. Hypertension
• C. Diabetes mellitus
• D. Pregnancy

Answer: (A)

Transdermal nicotine relies on healthy skin at the application site, so skin conditions matter a lot. A chronic skin disease means the skin is already irritated, inflamed, or compromised, and the adhesive plus nicotine can worsen itching, redness, or flare-ups and make the patch difficult to wear consistently. That combination—potential for worsening skin symptoms plus unreliable patch adherence—makes chronic skin disease a contraindication for using the patch in many cases. The other conditions aren’t absolute blockers: hypertension, diabetes, and pregnancy aren’t considered prohibitive, though they may require monitoring or medical guidance.

Transdermal nicotine relies on healthy skin at the application site, so skin conditions matter a lot. A chronic skin disease means the skin is already irritated, inflamed, or compromised, and the adhesive plus nicotine can worsen itching, redness, or flare-ups and make the patch difficult to wear consistently. That combination—potential for worsening skin symptoms plus unreliable patch adherence—makes chronic skin disease a contraindication for using the patch in many cases. The other conditions aren’t absolute blockers: hypertension, diabetes, and pregnancy aren’t considered prohibitive, though they may require monitoring or medical guidance.