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Last updated: October 10, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Skin Infection without Abscess

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cellulitis: This is the most common skin infection without an abscess, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area, usually caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Erysipelas: A type of skin infection that involves the upper dermis, typically caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, presenting with well-demarcated, raised, and shiny lesions.
  • Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection that can present without abscesses, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, characterized by golden-crusted lesions.
  • Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, presenting with small, pus-filled bumps or inflamed hair follicles.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe and potentially life-threatening infection that destroys the tissue under the skin, including fat and fascia, requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Erythema Migrans (Lyme Disease): An early manifestation of Lyme disease, presenting with a distinctive expanding rash, which is crucial to diagnose early to prevent long-term complications.
  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): Severe skin conditions usually triggered by medications, characterized by widespread skin necrosis and detachment, which are medical emergencies.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Mycobacterial Infections (e.g., Mycobacterium marinum): Uncommon skin infections that can occur after exposure to contaminated water, presenting with lesions or ulcers.
  • Fungal Infections (e.g., Dermatophytosis): Infections caused by fungi, such as ringworm, which can present with various skin manifestations, including lesions and rashes.
  • Leptospirosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause a skin rash among other symptoms, transmitted through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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