Differential Diagnosis for 20 yr female with apples like spreading from rat ear to face for 6 days
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cellulitis: The description of "apples like spreading" suggests a rapidly spreading infection, which is consistent with cellulitis. The presence of ear pain and drainage also supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Erysipelas: This is a type of skin infection that can cause a rapidly spreading, raised, and well-demarcated rash, which may be similar to the "apples like spreading" described.
- Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection that can cause red sores, pus, and crusts, which may be similar to the description provided.
- Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles that can cause redness, swelling, and pus, which may be related to the ear pain and drainage.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Necrotizing fasciitis: A life-threatening infection that can cause rapid spreading of the infection, pain, and swelling. Although less likely, it is crucial to consider due to its high mortality rate.
- Orbital cellulitis: If the infection spreads to the orbit, it can cause serious complications, including vision loss. Given the proximity of the ear to the orbit, this is a potential concern.
- Rare diagnoses
- Erythema migrans (Lyme disease): Although less common, Lyme disease can cause a spreading rash, and the description of "apples like spreading" could be consistent with the characteristic "bull's-eye" rash.
- Sweet syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a sudden onset of fever, leukocytosis, and tender, erythematous, well-demarcated papules and plaques, which may be similar to the description provided.