Differential Diagnosis for a 14-year-old with a Raised Red, Bumpy Round Rash
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This condition is common in adolescents and often presents with raised, red, and bumpy rashes on the hands, elbows, and feet due to allergic reactions or sensitivities.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Contact Dermatitis: This could be due to an allergic reaction or irritant exposure, leading to a similar rash on exposed areas like the hands, elbows, and feet.
- Psoriasis: Although less common in adolescents, psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches on the skin, including the elbows and feet.
- Keratosis Pilaris: A harmless condition that causes small, rough, sandpapery bumps on the skin, often on the arms, legs, and buttocks, but can sometimes appear on the hands and feet.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningococcemia: A severe bacterial infection that can cause a rash, although it's typically more widespread and accompanied by other severe symptoms like fever and shock.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A tick-borne illness that can cause a rash on the hands and feet, along with fever and other systemic symptoms.
- Lyme Disease: Another tick-borne illness that can cause a distinctive "bull's-eye" rash, although it's not always present.
- Rare diagnoses
- Dermatomyositis: An autoimmune condition that causes skin rash and muscle weakness, which could potentially present with a rash on the hands, elbows, and feet.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause skin lesions, among other symptoms, although it's relatively rare in adolescents.
- Erythema Multiforme: A skin condition characterized by target-shaped lesions, which can be triggered by infections or medications, and can appear on the hands and feet.