Differential Diagnosis for Breast Rash
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Given the patient's history of eczema and the recent change in body lotion, it's possible that the new lotion is exacerbating her eczema, causing the rash on her breast. The associated itching and breast tenderness also support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Contact dermatitis: The patient recently changed to a new brand of body lotion, which could be causing an allergic reaction or irritation, leading to the rash.
- Paget's disease of the breast: Although less common, Paget's disease can present with a rash on the breast, often accompanied by itching and nipple discharge. However, the absence of a palpable breast mass makes this diagnosis less likely.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition can cause a rash on the breast, especially in areas with high sebaceous gland activity, and is often associated with itching.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Inflammatory breast cancer: This aggressive form of breast cancer can present with a rash, itching, and breast tenderness, making it a critical diagnosis to consider, despite its low likelihood.
- Breast abscess or mastitis: Although the patient stopped breastfeeding 3 months ago, it's still possible for her to develop a breast abscess or mastitis, which could present with a rash, itching, and breast tenderness.
- Rare diagnoses
- Granulomatous lobular mastitis: A rare inflammatory condition that can cause a rash, itching, and breast tenderness, often accompanied by a palpable breast mass.
- Sarcoidosis of the breast: A rare condition in which sarcoid granulomas form in the breast tissue, potentially causing a rash, itching, and breast tenderness.