Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Swollen Thighs and Red Peeling Rash on Bilateral Calves
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth of the skin, often accompanied by a peeling rash. The bilateral presentation could be due to hematogenous spread or contiguous infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema/Dermatitis: Conditions like contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis can cause red, itchy, and peeling rashes. While they are less likely to cause significant swelling, severe cases could present with edema.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic contact dermatitis or systemic allergic reactions could cause a rash and swelling, especially if the patient has been exposed to new substances or medications.
- Insect Bites or Stings: Multiple bites or stings could cause a similar presentation, especially if there is an allergic component to the reaction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe, life-threatening infection that requires immediate attention. It can present with swelling, redness, and pain out of proportion to the visible skin findings, and a peeling rash could be a late sign.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): While DVT typically presents with unilateral swelling, in rare cases, it can be bilateral. The presence of a rash could be coincidental or related to a systemic condition.
- Severe Systemic Infections (e.g., Sepsis): Certain infections can cause a rash and widespread swelling as part of a systemic inflammatory response.
Rare Diagnoses
- Erythema Multiforme: An immune-mediated condition that can cause target-like lesions and peeling rash, often in response to infections or medications.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Severe skin conditions usually triggered by medications, characterized by widespread skin necrosis and detachment, which could initially present with a peeling rash.
- Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Lupus): Certain autoimmune diseases can cause skin rashes and swelling, though these would typically be part of a broader constellation of symptoms.