Differential Diagnosis for Burn and Rash
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): This is a severe skin and mucous membrane disorder that can be caused by a burn or a rash, often as a reaction to medication or infection. It's characterized by a painful rash, blisters, and skin shedding, making it a likely diagnosis given the symptoms.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Contact Dermatitis: A type of inflammation of the skin that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to a rash and possibly burns if the irritant is caustic.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A condition that makes your skin red and itchy, and can sometimes appear as a burn or rash, especially if scratched.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that can be itchy and painful, and may resemble a burn or rash.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): A life-threatening skin condition, usually triggered by medications, that causes widespread skin cell death, leading to burn-like symptoms and rash. It's crucial to identify and treat promptly.
- Sepsis: Although not directly causing a burn and rash, sepsis can result from untreated infections and can lead to a systemic inflammatory response that might include skin manifestations.
- Meningococcemia: A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to a rash that might resemble burns, along with other severe symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): A rare condition caused by staphylococcal toxins that typically affects infants and young children, leading to widespread blistering and peeling of the skin, resembling burns.
- Erythema Multiforme: A skin condition characterized by target lesions, which can sometimes appear as burns or rashes, often triggered by infections or medications.