Differential Diagnosis for Upper Abdominal Pain with Rash
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with Dermatographism: This condition could explain the upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating due to acid reflux. The rash moving around to the thorax could be dermatographism, a condition where hives form after scratching the skin, which might be exacerbated by the discomfort or stress of GERD.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: This could cause the upper abdominal pain and nausea. The rash could be unrelated or a stress reaction.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS typically presents with lower abdominal pain, some patients may experience upper abdominal symptoms. The rash could be an unrelated skin condition.
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This could cause the gastrointestinal symptoms, and some viruses are known to cause rashes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Porphyria: A group of disorders that can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and neurological symptoms. Some forms of porphyria can cause skin blistering or sensitivity to sunlight, which might be mistaken for a moving rash.
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A form of vasculitis that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and a characteristic rash that can move around the body, including the thorax.
- Erythema Multiforme: An immune-mediated condition that can cause a distinctive rash and can be associated with various infections or medications. It can sometimes involve the mucous membranes and internal organs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain and skin rashes. It's rare but can mimic many other diseases.
- Mastocytosis: A condition characterized by an accumulation of mast cells in one or more organs. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and skin lesions or rashes.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. Some types can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and skin hyperextensibility or fragility, which might be mistaken for a moving rash.