Differential Diagnosis for Macular Rash on Infant Face
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum: A common, benign condition occurring in approximately 40-70% of newborns, characterized by a macular rash that typically appears within the first few days of life and resolves spontaneously.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic skin condition that can start in infancy, presenting with itchy, inflamed skin, and may appear as a macular rash on the face.
- Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: A condition causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff, often affecting the scalp, but can also appear on the face of infants.
- Contact Dermatitis: A type of inflammation of the skin that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, which can cause a macular rash on the infant's face.
- Viral Exanthems: Various viral infections can cause rashes in infants, including enteroviruses, which may present with a macular rash.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Congenital Infections (e.g., Congenital Syphilis, Rubella, CMV): These infections can present with a rash among other systemic symptoms and are critical to diagnose early due to their potential for serious complications.
- Bacterial Infections (e.g., Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome): Certain bacterial infections can cause severe skin manifestations, including macular rashes, and require prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Meningococcemia: A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can present with a rash and is life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Rare Diagnoses
- Incontinentia Pigmenti: A rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, teeth, nails, and central nervous system, and can present with a macular rash in infancy.
- Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by venous malformations in the skin and gastrointestinal tract, which can appear as a macular rash.
- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare disorder in which the body accumulates too many immature Langerhans cells, leading to a variety of symptoms including skin rashes.