Differential Diagnosis for Rash on Hands and Feet
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Contact Dermatitis: This is a common condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to a rash. The hands and feet are frequently exposed to various substances, making contact dermatitis a plausible explanation for a rash in these areas.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can appear on the hands and feet, among other areas.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The hands and feet are common sites for psoriatic plaques.
- Keratolysis Exfoliativa (Focal Palmoplantar Keratolysis): A condition that affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, causing a rash and peeling of the skin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Secondary Syphilis: A systemic infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can cause a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which is a distinctive feature of this condition.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A viral infection that typically affects children but can also occur in adults, characterized by a rash on the hands and feet, along with mouth sores.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome: A rare, life-threatening medical condition caused by bacterial toxins. It can present with a rash, among other symptoms, and requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A rare skin disorder that causes constant inflammation and scaling (exfoliation) of the skin. It can start on the hands and feet.
- Keroderma Blennorrhagicum: A rare skin condition associated with Reiter's syndrome, characterized by a rash on the hands and feet.
- Erythema Multiforme: A skin condition characterized by target lesions, which can appear on the hands and feet, among other areas. It is often associated with infections or medications.