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Differential Diagnosis for Facial Rash in an Infant

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Acne neonatorum: This is a common condition in newborns, caused by exposure to maternal hormones, and typically presents as a facial rash. It is usually benign and self-limiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition that can start in infancy, often presenting as a facial rash, and is associated with other atopic diseases like asthma and allergies.
  • Seborrhoeic dermatitis: A skin condition that can cause a rash on the face, scalp, and other areas, often seen in infants and is usually self-limiting.
  • Contact dermatitis: A rash that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, which can happen to infants due to various products or substances.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Congenital syphilis: Although rare, it can present with a facial rash among other symptoms, and is critical to diagnose and treat to prevent long-term complications.
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection: Can cause a severe rash and is a medical emergency, especially in newborns, requiring prompt antiviral treatment.
  • Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS): A serious condition caused by staphylococcal toxins that can lead to widespread skin lesions and is life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Incontinentia pigmenti: A rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, teeth, and central nervous system, and can present with a rash in infancy.
  • Epidermolysis bullosa: A group of rare genetic conditions that result in fragile skin and blisters, which can appear as a rash and require careful management to prevent complications.
  • Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare disorder in which the body accumulates too many immune cells called Langerhans cells, which can lead to skin rashes among other symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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