Differential Diagnoses for Stucco Keratosis

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Seborrheic keratosis: This is the most common diagnosis to consider when encountering stucco keratosis, as stucco keratosis is a variant of seborrheic keratosis. It presents as small, rough, keratotic papules that are often found on the extremities, resembling plaster or stucco.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Verruca vulgaris (common wart): Can be considered due to its keratotic appearance, although it tends to have a more verrucous surface and may be found in different locations.
• Keratosis pilaris: Presents with small, rough follicular papules, often on the arms and legs, which could be confused with stucco keratosis but lacks the specific "stuck-on" appearance.
• Actinic keratosis: Although it's more related to sun exposure and has a different clinical context, it can sometimes be considered in the differential due to its keratotic nature.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Squamous cell carcinoma: While less likely, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its potential for malignancy. It can present as a firm, rough, or ulcerated lesion, which might be confused with a keratotic lesion.
• Basal cell carcinoma: Another malignancy that, although rare in this context, should not be overlooked. It often presents as a pearly nodule or ulcer but can have a keratotic appearance in some cases.

Rare Diagnoses

• Arsenical keratosis: A rare condition associated with chronic arsenic exposure, presenting with multiple small, keratotic papules, which could resemble stucco keratosis.
• Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade malignancy that can present as a firm, keratotic nodule, which might be considered in the differential diagnosis of stucco keratosis, although it's much less common.