Differential Diagnosis for Painful Yellow Lesion with Darker Center on Sole of Foot
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Plantar wart: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the description of a painful yellow lesion with a darker center, which is consistent with the appearance of a plantar wart. The location on the sole of the foot is also typical for plantar warts.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Corn or callus: These can appear as yellowish lesions and may have a darker center if they become infected or if there is a buildup of dead skin cells. They are common on the soles of the feet due to pressure and friction.
- Ingrown toenail: Although typically associated with the toes, an ingrown toenail can cause a painful lesion that might appear yellowish if infected, and the pressure could cause a darker center.
- Porokeratosis: A rare skin condition that can cause lesions, but when it appears on the sole, it might resemble a painful yellow lesion with a darker center due to its characteristic appearance of a keratotic plug.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Melanoma: Although rare, melanoma can present as a new or changing pigmented lesion, and the sole of the foot is one of the less common but significant locations for acral lentiginous melanoma, which can appear as a dark spot within a lesion.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer can appear as a firm, growing bump on the sole of the foot and might have a darker center if it ulcerates or becomes infected.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade malignancy that can resemble a wart but grows quickly. It's rare on the soles of the feet but could present similarly to a painful yellow lesion.
- Verrucous carcinoma: A rare, low-grade malignancy that can appear similar to a wart but is more aggressive. It's uncommon on the soles of the feet but should be considered in the differential for persistent or atypical lesions.