Differential Diagnosis for a 7-year-old Male with Skin-Colored Follicular Lesions on Elbows and Legs
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Keratosis Pilaris: This condition is characterized by the appearance of small, skin-colored or slightly pigmented bumps on the skin, often on the elbows, legs, and buttocks. It is very common in children and tends to be more pronounced in dry skin conditions, making it a likely diagnosis given the description.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Folliculitis: An inflammatory condition affecting the hair follicles, which can present with skin-colored or reddened papules and pustules. It's a common condition that could fit the description, especially if there's a history of shaving, tight clothing, or exposure to irritants.
- Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly, or flesh-colored lesions. While it can appear anywhere on the body, the fact that it's contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact or fomites makes it a plausible diagnosis, especially in a child.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Histocytosis: A group of diseases involving abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, which can present with skin lesions among other systemic symptoms. Although rare, missing this diagnosis could have significant implications, making it crucial to consider.
- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH): A specific type of histiocytosis that can present with skin lesions, among other symptoms like bone lesions or systemic involvement. Given its potential severity, it's essential to rule out LCH.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberos Sclerosis Complex (TSC): A genetic disorder that can cause skin lesions, including angiofibromas (previously known as adenoma sebaceum), which might appear as skin-colored papules. Although rare, TSC has a wide range of manifestations, making it a consideration in a differential diagnosis.
- Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome): A rare genetic disorder that can present with multiple basal cell carcinomas, among other features like keratotic lesions. The skin lesions in this condition could potentially be confused with follicular lesions, especially in a child.