Differential Diagnosis for Lichenoid Drug Eruption vs Lichen Planus
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lichenoid drug eruption: This is the most likely diagnosis if the patient has recently started taking a new medication, such as lidocaine, and presents with skin lesions that resemble lichen planus. The temporal relationship between the medication use and the onset of symptoms supports this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lichen planus: This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can present with similar lesions to lichenoid drug eruption. A thorough medical history and physical examination are necessary to distinguish between the two conditions.
- Psoriasis: This is an autoimmune skin condition that can present with similar skin lesions, although the distribution and morphology may differ.
- Contact dermatitis: This is a type of skin inflammation that can be caused by an allergic reaction or irritant, and can present with similar skin lesions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome: This is a life-threatening skin condition that can be caused by certain medications, including lidocaine. It presents with severe skin and mucous membrane lesions, and can be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly.
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis: This is a severe skin condition that can be caused by certain medications, including lidocaine. It presents with widespread skin necrosis and can be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Graft-versus-host disease: This is a rare condition that can occur after bone marrow transplantation, and can present with skin lesions that resemble lichen planus or lichenoid drug eruption.
- Lichenoid sarcoidosis: This is a rare condition that can present with skin lesions that resemble lichen planus or lichenoid drug eruption, although the underlying cause is related to sarcoidosis.
- Lichenoid pityriasis rosea: This is a rare condition that can present with skin lesions that resemble lichen planus or lichenoid drug eruption, although the underlying cause is related to pityriasis rosea.