Differential Diagnosis for Rash on Bilateral Wrists
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Contact dermatitis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common occurrence of irritants or allergens on the wrists, such as jewelry, soap, or other substances that can cause skin reactions.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, which can appear on the wrists.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin, including the wrists.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition that can cause a rash on oily areas of the body, including the wrists.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lyme disease: Although less common, a rash on the wrists could be a sign of Lyme disease, especially if the patient has been exposed to ticks.
- Secondary syphilis: A rash on the wrists can be a symptom of secondary syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection.
- Leukemia cutis: A rare but serious condition where leukemia cells infiltrate the skin, causing a rash.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause skin lesions, including rashes on the wrists, although this is a rare presentation.
- Granuloma annulare: A rare skin condition that can cause a rash on the wrists, characterized by ring-shaped lesions.
- Dermatomyositis: A rare autoimmune condition that can cause a rash on the wrists, as well as muscle weakness.