Differential Diagnosis for Skin Condition
The patient presents with a skin condition that is exacerbated by sunburn, intermittent, and localized to the face, with symptoms of itchiness, burning, dryness, and flakiness. Based on these characteristics, the following differential diagnoses are considered:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition is common, often affects the face, and can be exacerbated by sun exposure. It typically presents with itchy, flaky, and erythematous lesions, matching the patient's symptoms.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Although more common in children, atopic dermatitis can occur in adults and may be triggered or worsened by sun exposure. It presents with itchy, dry, and inflamed skin.
- Actinic Keratosis: This is a precursor to skin cancer that can appear as dry, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas, including the face. It's less likely to be itchy but can be tender.
- Rosacea: A chronic condition characterized by facial redness, itching, burning, and sometimes small, pus-filled bumps. Sun exposure can trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Skin Cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma): While less likely to present with all the mentioned symptoms, skin cancers can sometimes appear as non-healing sores or changing lesions and are crucial to diagnose early due to their potential for metastasis and mortality.
- Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus can cause a photosensitive rash, among other symptoms. It's a serious autoimmune disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A rare skin disorder characterized by constant itching, scaling, and thickening of the skin. It can be exacerbated by sun exposure but is much less common than other conditions listed.
- Darier's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, causing an abnormality in the way skin cells are held together. It can present with itchy, dry, and flaky skin, especially on sun-exposed areas, but is relatively rare.