Differential Diagnosis for Face Rash and Joint Pain in a Young Person

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Lupus: A common autoimmune disease in young people, especially women, that can cause a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash on the face and joint pain due to inflammation.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Acne Rosacea: A skin condition that can cause a rash on the face, often accompanied by joint pain due to associated inflammatory responses.
• Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease characterized by skin rash and muscle weakness, which can include joint pain.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain and potentially a rash on the face if the psoriasis affects this area.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Lyme Disease: Caused by a tick bite, it can lead to a distinctive rash (erythema migrans) and joint pain. Missing this diagnosis could lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
• Kawasaki Disease: Although more common in children, it can occur in young adults, causing fever, rash, and joint pain. It's critical to diagnose early to prevent cardiac complications.
• Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause skin rashes and joint pain, among other symptoms. It's essential to diagnose to manage potential organ involvement.

Rare Diagnoses

• Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain and skin manifestations, including a rash.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues, potentially causing skin hyperextensibility and joint pain, though a rash is less commonly associated.
• Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects glands, especially salivary and tear glands, but can also cause skin rashes and joint pain in some cases.