Differential Diagnosis for Black Rash in African American
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tinea corporis (ringworm): This is a common fungal infection that can cause a black or dark-colored rash, especially in areas with high humidity and warmth. It's prevalent in all ethnic groups, including African Americans.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): This condition can cause darkened skin patches due to inflammation and hyperpigmentation, especially in African Americans.
- Psoriasis: Although it typically presents with red, scaly patches, in African Americans, the lesions can appear more purple or dark due to the natural skin tone.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition can cause a dark, scaly rash, particularly on the scalp, face, and torso.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningococcemia: This is a life-threatening infection that can cause a petechial or purpuric rash, which may appear black or dark in African Americans. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: This tick-borne illness can cause a rash that may appear black or dark, especially in people with darker skin tones.
- Sickle cell crisis: In individuals with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause a range of symptoms, including a rash, which may be dark or black due to the underlying condition.
- Rare diagnoses
- Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis: A rare genetic disorder that causes a reticular pattern of hyperpigmentation, which may appear as a black rash.
- Laugier-Hunziker syndrome: A rare condition characterized by hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes, which may appear as a black or dark rash.