Differential Diagnosis for Bumpy Skin on Kids' Face and Upper Arms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Keratosis Pilaris: This is a common, harmless condition characterized by small, rough, sandpaper-like bumps on the skin, often on the arms, legs, and face. It's more noticeable in dry environments and tends to improve with moisturizing.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Milia: These are small, white bumps that appear when dead skin cells or keratin, a protein, gets trapped under the skin surface. They are common in children and can appear on the face and sometimes the arms.
- Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles, which can cause small, bumpy, and sometimes red spots. It can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections and is more common in areas with hair.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Although the question specifies non-itchy, some forms of eczema can present with minimal itch, especially in the early stages or in children. It causes dry, scaly, and bumpy skin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Neurofibromatosis: A genetic disorder that can cause skin changes, including neurofibromas (soft bumps on or under the skin), cafe-au-lait spots, and freckling in the armpits or groin area. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing potential complications.
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): A rare genetic disorder that can cause skin lesions, including angiofibromas (small, reddish bumps on the face), ash-leaf spots, and shagreen patches. It also affects other organs and requires early diagnosis for proper management.
Rare Diagnoses
- Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome): A rare genetic disorder that can cause multiple basal cell carcinomas (a type of skin cancer), along with other symptoms like jaw cysts and skeletal abnormalities.
- Epidermal Nevus Syndrome: A group of rare conditions characterized by the presence of epidermal nevi (benign growths of the skin) along with other systemic features such as neurological, skeletal, or eye abnormalities.
- Phakomatosis Pigmentovascularis: A rare condition characterized by the presence of skin and vascular lesions, often associated with other systemic manifestations like glaucoma or neurological abnormalities.