Differential Diagnosis for Swelling and Erythema to Right Index Finger, and Nail Changes
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Paronychia: This is an infection of the skin around the nail, which can cause swelling, erythema, and nail changes. It is a common condition that can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which can cause swelling, erythema, and warmth of the affected area.
- Herpetic whitlow: A viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus, which can cause swelling, erythema, and vesicles on the finger.
- Felon: An infection of the fingertip pulp, which can cause swelling, erythema, and pain.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause swelling, erythema, and pain, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Septic arthritis: A joint infection that can cause swelling, erythema, and pain, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Necrotizing fasciitis: A rare but life-threatening infection that can cause swelling, erythema, and pain, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause swelling, erythema, and nail changes, but is less common than other diagnoses.
- Psoriatic arthritis: A type of arthritis that can cause swelling, erythema, and nail changes, but is less common than other diagnoses.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder that can cause swelling, erythema, and burning pain of the hands and feet.