Differential Diagnosis for a 15-year-old Female with Raised Light Purple Lesions on Palms and Feet
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Janeway Lesions: These are small, painless, hemorrhagic or erythematous lesions on the palms and soles, often associated with acute bacterial endocarditis. The presentation of raised light purple lesions on the palms and feet could be consistent with this diagnosis, especially if there's a history of heart conditions or recent infections.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness of childhood characterized by inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, which can present with rash, desquamation of the hands and feet, and other systemic symptoms. The raised lesions could be part of the rash seen in Kawasaki disease.
- Erythema Multiforme: A skin condition characterized by target lesions, which can sometimes appear as raised purple lesions. It often involves the palms and soles and can be triggered by infections or medications.
- Vasculitis: Conditions like Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) can cause purpura (bleeding under the skin), which might appear as raised light purple lesions on the feet and, less commonly, the palms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningococcemia: A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can present with a petechial or purpuric rash that can appear anywhere on the body, including the palms and soles. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): A tick-borne illness that can cause a rash, which often appears on the wrists, ankles, palms, and soles. It's critical to diagnose and treat RMSF promptly to prevent serious complications.
- Disseminated Gonococcal Infection: A condition where gonococcal bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as skin lesions (often on the extremities), joint pain, and fever. This diagnosis is particularly important in sexually active adolescents.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sweet Syndrome (Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis): Characterized by the sudden onset of fever, leukocytosis, and tender, erythematous, well-demarcated papules and plaques, which can occasionally appear on the palms and soles.
- Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A condition that can cause small vessel inflammation and may present with palpable purpura, which could appear as raised purple lesions on the skin, including the palms and soles.