Differential Diagnosis for New Lower Leg Skin Tightening that is Painful
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cellulitis: This is a common condition characterized by skin infection, which can cause pain, redness, swelling, and tightening of the skin. The symptoms described are classic for cellulitis, making it the most likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT can cause pain, swelling, and tightening of the skin in the lower leg due to a blood clot in the deep veins. This condition is a common cause of leg pain and swelling.
- Erythema nodosum: This is an inflammatory condition that can cause painful nodules under the skin, often on the lower legs, which can lead to skin tightening.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: This condition involves inflammation of the superficial veins, which can cause pain, swelling, and skin tightening.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Necrotizing fasciitis: Although rare, this is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. It involves infection of the fascia, which can cause severe pain, skin tightening, and necrosis of the affected tissue.
- Compartment syndrome: This is a serious condition that occurs when pressure within the muscle compartments increases, leading to pain, swelling, and skin tightening. If left untreated, it can result in permanent damage or even death.
- Rare diagnoses
- Scleroderma: This is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause skin tightening and thickening, but it is relatively rare and typically involves other systemic symptoms.
- Lipodermatosclerosis: This is a rare condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of the subcutaneous fat, which can cause skin tightening and pain in the lower legs.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: While not typically associated with acute skin tightening, chronic venous insufficiency can cause skin changes, including tightening, due to long-standing venous pressure.