Differential Diagnosis for a 2-year-old boy with a red, swollen eyelid
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Periorbital cellulitis: This is a common condition in children, often caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to redness, swelling, and warmth of the eyelid.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacterial or demodex mite infestations, which can cause redness, swelling, and crusting of the eyelids.
- Conjunctivitis: Infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can cause redness, discharge, and swelling of the eyelid.
- Hordeolum (stye): A localized infection of the eyelid margin, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause a painful, red, and swollen nodule on the eyelid.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Orbital cellulitis: A more severe infection that involves the orbital tissues posterior to the orbital septum, which can cause proptosis, limited eye movement, and vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Retinoblastoma: A rare but aggressive eye cancer that can cause a red, swollen, and painful eye, although it is less common in this age group.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Erythema multiforme: A skin condition characterized by target lesions, which can affect the eyelids and cause redness and swelling.
- Kawasaki disease: A rare condition that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, including those in the eyes, leading to redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Angioedema: A rare condition characterized by rapid swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, which can cause eyelid swelling and redness.