Differential Diagnosis for Pruritic Pustules
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acne Vulgaris: The most common skin condition characterized by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, and sometimes cysts. Pruritic pustules can be a manifestation, especially in inflammatory acne.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Folliculitis: An inflammatory condition affecting the hair follicles, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It presents with pruritic pustules around hair follicles.
- Pityriasis Rosea: A skin condition that starts with a single, large spot (herald patch) followed by an eruption of smaller spots, which can be pruritic and occasionally pustular.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly skin, which can sometimes develop pustules, especially if infected.
- Keratosis Pilaris: A condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the skin, which can be itchy and occasionally pustular.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Scabies: A parasitic infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, leading to severe itching and pustules, particularly in interdigital spaces and the groin area.
- Impetigo: A highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can cause pustules and is often itchy, requiring prompt treatment to prevent spread.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth, sometimes with pustules, and requires antibiotic treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pustular Psoriasis: A rare type of psoriasis characterized by white pustules on red skin, which can be generalized or localized.
- Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis: A rare skin condition with recurrent crops of pustules, often without an identifiable cause.
- Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP): A rare, severe skin condition usually triggered by medications, characterized by numerous small pustules on a red background.