Differential Diagnosis for 6 y/o Male with Rash x1 day
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral exanthem (e.g., roseola, fifth disease): This is a common cause of rash in children, often accompanied by mild symptoms such as fever and upper respiratory tract infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Exposure to allergens like poison ivy, oak, or sumac can cause a rash, especially in children who play outdoors.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, which can be exacerbated by various factors.
- Impetigo: A bacterial skin infection that can cause a rash, often with honey-colored crusts.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningococcemia: A life-threatening infection that can cause a rash, often accompanied by fever, headache, and stiff neck.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: A tick-borne illness that can cause a rash, fever, and headache, and can be fatal if left untreated.
- Kawasaki disease: An acute febrile illness that can cause a rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy, and can lead to cardiac complications if not recognized.
- Rare diagnoses
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a rash, fever, and joint inflammation.
- Lupus erythematosus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a rash, fever, and multi-organ involvement.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare disease that can cause a rash, fever, and lung involvement, often with granulomatous inflammation.