Differential Diagnosis for Dry Flakey Red Skin
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): This is the most common condition associated with dry, flaky, and red skin. It's a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the skin, often related to allergies or asthma.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- 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 are itchy and sometimes painful.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: A condition that causes scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff due to an oily scalp. It can also occur on oily areas of the body, such as the face.
- Contact Dermatitis: A type of inflammation of the skin that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to redness, itching, and dryness.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): A rare but serious condition caused by staphylococcal toxins that typically affects infants and young children, leading to widespread skin lesions and potential life-threatening complications.
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): A severe skin condition usually triggered by medications, leading to widespread skin necrosis and detachment, which can be life-threatening.
- Pemphigus Vulgaris: An autoimmune disease causing blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ichthyosis: A group of rare genetic disorders that cause dry, thick, and scaly skin, often appearing at birth or during early childhood.
- Keratosis Pilaris: A harmless condition that causes small, rough, sandpapery patches on the skin, often on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks, due to the accumulation of keratin.
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP): A rare skin disorder characterized by constant inflammation and scaling (exfoliation) of the skin, often starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body.