Differential Diagnosis for Dry Skin/Eczema

The following differential diagnoses are organized into categories to help guide the diagnostic process.

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema): This is the most common cause of dry skin and eczema, characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, and is often associated with allergies and asthma.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Contact dermatitis: This condition occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, causing inflammation and dryness.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: A condition that causes scaly, itchy patches on the skin, often on the scalp, face, and torso.
  • Xerosis (dry skin): A common condition characterized by dry, rough skin, often caused by environmental factors, such as cold weather or harsh soaps.
  • Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that causes dry, scaly patches on the skin, often accompanied by inflammation and itching.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL): A rare type of skin cancer that can cause dry, scaly skin, and is often misdiagnosed as eczema or psoriasis.
  • Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to dry skin, among other symptoms.
  • Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry skin, as well as dry eyes and mouth.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Ichthyosis: A group of rare genetic disorders that cause dry, scaly skin, often accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
  • Netherton syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that causes dry, scaly skin, as well as hair and eye abnormalities.
  • Keratosis pilaris: A rare condition that causes dry, rough skin, often accompanied by small bumps on the skin.

Each of these diagnoses has distinct characteristics and symptoms, and a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests are necessary to determine the underlying cause of dry skin or eczema.