Differential Diagnosis for Right Tendon Skin Whitening
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tendon injury or strain: This is the most likely diagnosis because whitening of the skin over a tendon can be a sign of decreased blood flow or inflammation, which often occurs with tendon injuries or strains.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Frostbite: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause the skin to whiten, and if the right tendon area was exposed, this could be a possible diagnosis.
- Raynaud's phenomenon: This condition causes blood vessels to constrict in response to cold or stress, leading to discoloration of the skin, which could include whitening over the tendons.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the area could cause the skin to appear white or pale.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Compartment syndrome: Although less likely, this is a serious condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, cutting off blood flow. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Embolism or thrombosis: A blockage in the blood vessels could lead to decreased blood flow, causing the skin to whiten. This is a medical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen, leading to hardening and tightening of the skin, which could potentially cause whitening.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels could lead to changes in skin color, including whitening, although this would be an uncommon presentation.
- Erythema chronicum migrans (Lyme disease): In rare cases, the early stage of Lyme disease can cause skin changes, but whitening of the skin over a tendon would be an unusual manifestation.