Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 6, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 15-Month-Old with a Scalp Rash

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is a common condition in infants, characterized by a scalp rash that can be oily, yellow, and scaly. It's often seen in areas rich with sebaceous glands, like the scalp, and can be associated with cradle cap.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic skin condition that can cause a scalp rash, often accompanied by itching. It's common in children and can be associated with other allergies or asthma.
  • Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction or irritation caused by something that came into contact with the scalp, such as shampoo, hair products, or even certain metals in hair clips.
  • Impetigo: A contagious bacterial infection that can cause a rash on the scalp, often with honey-colored crusts.
  • Ringworm (Tinea Capitis): A fungal infection of the scalp, which can cause patches of hair loss, redness, and scaling.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Meningitis: Although rare, a scalp rash could be a sign of meningitis, especially if accompanied by fever, irritability, and a bulging fontanelle in infants. Meningitis is a medical emergency.
  • Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness that can present with a rash, among other symptoms like fever, conjunctivitis, and changes to the lips and oral cavity. It's crucial to diagnose early to prevent cardiac complications.
  • Child Abuse: In some cases, a scalp rash or injury could be a sign of non-accidental trauma. Healthcare providers must be vigilant for signs of abuse.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare disorder in which the body accumulates too many immature Langerhans cells, leading to lesions that can appear on the scalp, among other places.
  • Congenital Syphilis: A condition that occurs when a baby is born with syphilis, which can cause a variety of symptoms including rashes.
  • Sarcoidosis: Although extremely rare in infants, sarcoidosis can cause skin lesions, including on the scalp, as part of a systemic disease affecting multiple organs.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.