Differential Diagnoses for Pruritus Secondary to Allergies
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This is the most common cause of pruritus secondary to allergies, characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, and is often associated with other allergic conditions such as asthma and rhinitis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A type of dermatitis that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, resulting in an itchy, red, and blistered rash.
- Urticaria (Hives): An allergic reaction that causes itchy, raised welts on the skin, often triggered by food, medications, or insect bites.
- Insect Bite Allergy: An allergic reaction to insect bites, which can cause intense itching, redness, and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mastocytosis: A rare condition characterized by an accumulation of mast cells in the skin, which can cause severe itching, flushing, and anaphylaxis.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A condition characterized by an allergic inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause itching, swallowing difficulties, and food impaction.
- Systemic Mastocytosis: A condition where mast cells accumulate in various organs, including the skin, bones, and gastrointestinal tract, which can cause severe itching, anaphylaxis, and organ dysfunction.
Rare Diagnoses
- Aquagenic Pruritus: A rare condition characterized by intense itching after exposure to water, often without any visible skin lesions.
- Cholinergic Urticaria: A rare condition characterized by itchy, raised welts on the skin, triggered by a rise in body temperature, such as during exercise or hot showers.
- Adrenergic Urticaria: A rare condition characterized by itchy, raised welts on the skin, triggered by stress or emotional stimuli.