Differential Diagnosis for a 27-year-old patient with swelling, pruritus, and redness after multiple mosquito bites
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Allergic reaction to mosquito bites: This is the most common reaction to mosquito bites, characterized by swelling, redness, and pruritus at the bite site. The symptoms are usually self-limiting and resolve within a few days.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Insect bite allergy: Similar to an allergic reaction, but may involve more severe symptoms such as blistering or larger areas of swelling.
- Contact dermatitis: Could be caused by substances on the mosquito's body or saliva, leading to a dermatitis reaction.
- Papular urticaria: A common skin reaction to insect bites, characterized by itchy, raised papules.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Anaphylaxis: Although rare, anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and a fall in blood pressure.
- Sepsis: In rare cases, an infection at the bite site could lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Rare diagnoses
- Skeeter syndrome: A rare, severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites, characterized by large areas of swelling, blistering, and potentially systemic symptoms.
- Tropical diseases (e.g., dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya): While rare in areas where these diseases are not endemic, they can be transmitted through mosquito bites and have serious health implications.