Differential Diagnosis for Breast Skin Problem

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Eczema/Dermatitis: This is often the most common cause of breast skin problems, presenting with itching, redness, and sometimes small blisters. It can be due to irritants, allergens, or atopic predisposition.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Contact Dermatitis: Similar to eczema but specifically caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from substances like soaps, detergents, or certain fabrics.
  • Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles, which can occur on the breast skin, especially if there is friction or shaving involved.
  • Intertrigo: A type of skin inflammation caused by skin friction and moisture trapped between skin folds, common in the breast area, especially under large breasts.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): A rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that presents with skin changes such as redness, swelling, and warmth, often without a distinct lump.
  • Paget's Disease of the Breast: A rare form of breast cancer that begins in the ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple and then to the areola, causing eczema-like changes.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by deposition of collagen, causing hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissue, which can affect the breast area.
  • 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, sometimes affecting the breast area.