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.