Differential Diagnosis for Burning and Itching of the Face
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition is characterized by a red, itchy, and flaky rash, often affecting the face, especially the areas around the nose, eyebrows, and scalp. It's a common condition that can cause significant discomfort, including burning and itching sensations.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Facial involvement is common, especially in children but can also occur in adults.
- Contact Dermatitis: An allergic or irritant reaction to substances like cosmetics, soaps, or metals (e.g., nickel) that come into contact with the skin, leading to itching, burning, and rash.
- Rosacea: A condition characterized by flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels in the face, often accompanied by small, red, pus-filled bumps. It can also cause burning and itching sensations.
- Dry Skin (Xerosis): Especially during cold weather or in dry environments, dry skin can lead to itching and burning sensations on the face.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus can cause a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, which may be accompanied by itching and burning. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment of a potentially serious autoimmune disease.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dryness in the skin and mucous membranes, leading to itching and burning sensations, among other symptoms.
- Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides): A rare type of skin cancer that can present with itching, burning, and skin lesions, which might initially be mistaken for more benign conditions.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pemphigus: A group of rare skin disorders that cause blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Itching and burning can precede the formation of blisters.
- Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease characterized by skin rash and muscle weakness. The skin manifestations can include itching and burning sensations.
- Erythromelalgia: A disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, but can occasionally affect the face, causing burning sensations.