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 10, 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 Rash on Left Cheek

Single most likely diagnosis

  • Contact Dermatitis: Given the description of the rash as red, bumpy, and dry, and its recent spread over a few days, contact dermatitis is a plausible diagnosis. This condition often results from an allergic reaction or irritation to a substance that has come into contact with the skin, such as cosmetics, soaps, or plants.

Other Likely diagnoses

  • Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Eczema can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, which might appear as a red, bumpy rash. It's common in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma, though it can occur at any age.
  • Rosacea: This condition is characterized by redness, bumps, and dryness, particularly on the face. It's more common in older adults and can be triggered by various factors, including sun exposure, stress, and certain foods.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition causes scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff, often on oily areas of the body like the face. It can appear as a red, bumpy rash and might be itchy.

Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)

  • Cellulitis: Although less likely given the description, cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth. It requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.
  • Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks, among other symptoms. It's an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body and requires early diagnosis and treatment.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of skin cancer can initially appear as a red, scaly patch or bump. Given the patient's age, it's essential to consider skin cancer in the differential diagnosis.

Rare diagnoses

  • Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease characterized by skin rash and muscle weakness. The rash can appear on the face, among other areas, and is often accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
  • Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause skin rashes, among other symptoms, due to the formation of granulomas in various parts of the body. The skin manifestations can be varied and might include red, bumpy lesions.

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.