Differential Diagnosis for Nail Fold Dark Red with No Pain or Swelling
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nail Fold Hematoma: This condition occurs when blood accumulates under the nail fold, often due to trauma. The absence of pain or swelling, combined with the dark red coloration, makes this a plausible diagnosis, although the typical presentation includes some degree of pain.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema/Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin around the nail can cause redness and changes in skin color. While eczema typically presents with itching and sometimes pain, mild cases might not have these symptoms.
- Nail Fold Angioma: A benign vascular tumor that could cause a red appearance. These are usually painless and might not cause swelling.
- Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis can affect the nail and surrounding skin, leading to redness and other changes. It might not always be painful or swollen, especially in early stages.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subungual Melanoma: Although rare and less likely, any unusual pigmentation around or under the nails should prompt consideration of melanoma, as it can be deadly if not caught early. The absence of pain or swelling does not rule out this diagnosis.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma: Skin cancers can present with changes in skin color and should be considered, especially in sun-exposed areas or in individuals with risk factors.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Nail Fold Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause a variety of skin manifestations, including changes around the nails. This would be a rare cause of the described symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause skin lesions and might rarely affect the nail folds, leading to redness or other changes.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause a range of skin symptoms, including redness around the nail folds. This would be an uncommon cause of the symptoms described.