Differential Diagnosis for a 64-year-old Female with Skin Sensitive to Touch
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Dry skin (xerosis): This is a common condition, especially in older adults, characterized by dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. It can be caused by various factors such as low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain medical conditions.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, stress, and environmental factors.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly, and sensitive skin patches. It can be triggered by various factors, including stress, cold weather, and certain medications.
- Contact dermatitis: A type of skin inflammation caused by contact with irritants or allergens, resulting in red, itchy, and sensitive skin.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): An autoimmune disease that can cause skin sensitivity, among other symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage and increased risk of infections.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause skin sensitivity, dry eyes, and dry mouth. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of lymphoma and other complications.
- Neuropathic pain: Certain conditions, such as diabetes or shingles, can cause nerve damage, leading to skin sensitivity and pain.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder that causes burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can also cause skin sensitivity.
- Fabry disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause skin sensitivity, among other symptoms, due to the buildup of a particular type of fat in the body.
- Sensory neuropathy: A rare condition that affects the nerves, causing skin sensitivity, numbness, and tingling.