Differential Diagnosis for Hand, Foot, Mouth, Elbows, and Arms Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): This is a common viral illness that typically affects children, characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, which can sometimes spread to the elbows and arms. The symptoms provided closely match the classic presentation of HFMD.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): This condition can cause skin rashes and itching on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, elbows, and arms. While the mouth is not typically involved, eczema can sometimes appear in conjunction with other conditions that affect the mouth.
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness of childhood characterized by inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, which can lead to symptoms such as rash, swelling of hands and feet, and sometimes mouth changes like redness and swelling of the lips.
- Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection that can cause red sores on the hands, feet, and other exposed areas, potentially spreading to the elbows and arms. Though it primarily affects the skin, it can be accompanied by other conditions affecting the mouth.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): A serious condition caused by staphylococcal toxins that can lead to widespread skin lesions and exfoliation, starting from the face and spreading to other areas, including hands, feet, elbows, and arms. It's crucial to identify and treat promptly due to its potential severity.
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): These are severe skin and mucous membrane disorders, usually a reaction to medication or infection, characterized by blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which can include the mouth and areas like the hands, feet, elbows, and arms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP): A rare skin disorder characterized by salmon-colored scaling patches, which can start on the face and spread to other areas of the body, including the hands, feet, elbows, and arms. Oral lesions can sometimes be present.
- Erythema Multiforme: A skin condition characterized by target-like lesions on the skin, which can appear on the hands, feet, and sometimes the elbows and arms. It can also involve the mucous membranes, including the mouth.