Differential Diagnosis for Subcutaneous Skin Tenderness without Rash
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause subcutaneous skin tenderness without a distinct rash. The tenderness is often accompanied by redness, warmth, and swelling.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Erythema Nodosum: A condition characterized by the sudden formation of painful nodules under the skin, often on the shins. It can be associated with various underlying conditions, including infections and autoimmune diseases.
- Panniculitis: Inflammation of the subcutaneous fat, which can cause tender skin nodules or plaques without a distinct rash. It can be caused by various factors, including trauma, infection, or autoimmune diseases.
- Lipodermatosclerosis: A condition that affects the subcutaneous fat, leading to tender, indurated skin, often on the lower legs. It is associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing Fasciitis: A life-threatening infection that causes severe pain and tenderness of the skin, often without a distinct rash. It requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent severe complications.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins, which can cause tenderness and swelling of the affected limb without a rash. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Septic Arthritis or Osteomyelitis: Infections of the joints or bones, respectively, which can cause localized tenderness and pain without a distinct rash. These conditions require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Weber-Christian Disease: A rare inflammatory disease of the subcutaneous fat, which can cause recurrent episodes of tender skin nodules or plaques without a distinct rash.
- Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma: A rare type of lymphoma that can cause subcutaneous skin tenderness and nodules without a distinct rash.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic disorder that can cause panniculitis, leading to tender skin nodules or plaques without a distinct rash.