Differential Diagnosis for Widespread Papular Rash
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This is a common condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin that can present as a widespread papular rash. It's often seen in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction or irritation caused by substances like soaps, detergents, or metals, leading to a papular rash.
- Pityriasis Rosea: A skin condition that starts with a single patch (herald patch) followed by an eruption of smaller patches, often on the trunk, which can appear as a papular rash.
- Viral Exanthems: Various viral infections can cause widespread rashes, including measles, rubella, and roseola.
- Drug Eruptions: Certain medications can cause skin reactions, including papular rashes, as a side effect.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningococcemia: A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can present with a petechial or purpuric rash but may initially appear as a papular rash. It's life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.
- Syphilis (Secondary): Can cause a widespread rash, including on the palms and soles, which may initially appear as papular.
- Lyme Disease: Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by tick bites, and can present with a characteristic "bull's-eye" rash (erythema migrans) but may also appear as a papular rash in some cases.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness of childhood that can cause a rash, among other symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy, and desquamation of the hands and feet.
- Papular Urticaria: A skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites, leading to itchy papules.
- Mucha-Habermann Disease (Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta): A rare skin disorder characterized by the sudden onset of a rash, which can include papular lesions, often accompanied by fever and malaise.