Perianal Rash Differential Diagnosis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Contact Dermatitis: This is a common condition that can cause a perianal rash, often due to irritation from soaps, wipes, or other products. The rash is typically itchy, red, and may have small bumps or blisters.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic skin condition that can cause a perianal rash, characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause a perianal rash, often with thick, scaly, red patches.
- Candidiasis: A fungal infection that can cause a perianal rash, especially in individuals with diabetes or those who are immunocompromised.
- Hemorrhoids: While not typically thought of as a rash, hemorrhoids can cause perianal itching, redness, and irritation, which may be mistaken for a rash.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as herpes simplex, syphilis, or human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause perianal rashes or lesions.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause perianal skin tags, fistulas, or abscesses, which may be mistaken for a rash.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can cause a perianal rash or lesion, often with a history of chronic irritation or inflammation.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lichen Sclerosus: A rare skin condition that can cause a perianal rash, characterized by thin, white, wrinkled skin.
- Lichen Planus: A rare autoimmune condition that can cause a perianal rash, often with purplish, itchy, flat bumps.
- Extra Mammary Paget's Disease: A rare skin cancer that can cause a perianal rash, often with a history of chronic irritation or inflammation.