Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Thermal burns: The patient was exposed to sparks from a pyrotechnic show, which can cause thermal burns to the skin and scalp. The burning sensation reported by the patient supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Chemical burns: Pyrotechnic shows can release chemicals into the air, which can cause chemical burns upon contact with skin. The patient's proximity to the show and the burning sensation she experienced make this a possible diagnosis.
- Smoke inhalation: The patient was in close proximity to the pyrotechnic show, which can release smoke and particulate matter into the air. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory symptoms, but the patient does not report any at this time.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Electrical burns: Although less likely, it is possible that the patient came into contact with an electrical source during the pyrotechnic show, which can cause electrical burns. These burns can be internal and may not be immediately apparent.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Pyrotechnic shows can release carbon monoxide into the air, which can be deadly in enclosed spaces. Although the patient was outdoors, it is still possible that she was exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.
- Rare diagnoses
- Phototoxicity: Some pyrotechnic shows use ultraviolet light, which can cause phototoxicity in rare cases. This would be an unusual diagnosis, but it is possible if the patient has a pre-existing condition that makes her more susceptible to phototoxicity.
- Particulate matter toxicity: The pyrotechnic show may have released particulate matter into the air, which can cause respiratory and other systemic symptoms in rare cases. This would be an unusual diagnosis, but it is possible if the patient has a pre-existing condition that makes her more susceptible to particulate matter toxicity.