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Differential Diagnosis for Infected Bug Bite

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Cellulitis: This is the most common diagnosis for an infected bug bite, as it is a bacterial skin infection that can occur when a bug bite becomes infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection that can occur when a bug bite becomes infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
    • Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles that can occur when a bug bite becomes infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
    • Abscess: A pocket of pus that can form when a bug bite becomes infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Necrotizing fasciitis: A rare but life-threatening infection that can occur when a bug bite becomes infected with bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus.
    • Erythema migrans (Lyme disease): A tick-borne illness that can cause a distinctive "bull's-eye" rash and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
    • Rocky Mountain spotted fever: A tick-borne illness that can cause a rash, fever, and headache, and can be fatal if left untreated.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Leishmaniasis: A parasitic infection that can be spread through the bite of an infected sand fly, causing skin lesions and other symptoms.
    • Tularemia: A bacterial infection that can be spread through the bite of an infected tick or deer fly, causing skin ulcers and other symptoms.
    • Cat-scratch disease: A bacterial infection that can be spread through the bite or scratch of an infected cat, causing swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms.

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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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