Differential Diagnosis for Women with Rash and Weight Loss
The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to help guide the thought process.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Thyroid Disease (e.g., Hyperthyroidism): Weight loss and rash can be associated with thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism, which can cause skin changes and unexplained weight loss.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to weight loss and skin rashes, including diabetic dermopathy or necrobiosis lipoidica.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause weight loss and skin manifestations, such as erythema nodosum or pyoderma gangrenosum.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can lead to malabsorption, weight loss, and skin rashes, including dermatitis herpetiformis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with weight loss and skin lesions, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its severe implications.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This autoimmune disease can cause a variety of skin rashes and weight loss, among other systemic symptoms, and is important to diagnose early due to its potential for serious complications.
- Tuberculosis: Although less common in some regions, TB can cause weight loss and skin lesions, and its diagnosis is critical due to its infectious nature and the need for prompt treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition characterized by the growth of granulomas in various parts of the body, which can lead to weight loss and specific skin rashes.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, weight loss, and skin lesions, among other symptoms.
- Erythema Multiforme: An immune-mediated disorder that can cause skin lesions and, in some cases, may be associated with weight loss, particularly if it is part of a more systemic reaction.