Differential Diagnosis for Mesa on Baby Bottom
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Diaper rash (irritant contact dermatitis): This is the most common cause of a "mesa" or raised area on a baby's bottom, often due to prolonged exposure to urine and feces.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema): This is a common skin condition in infants that can cause red, raised, and scaly patches on the skin, including the diaper area.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition can cause a red, oily, and scaly rash on the skin, including the diaper area.
- Psoriasis: Although less common in infants, psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches on the skin, including the diaper area.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Child abuse (physical or sexual): Any unusual or unexplained skin lesions or injuries on a baby's bottom should raise concern for child abuse.
- Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral): Certain infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or herpes simplex virus, can cause severe skin lesions and require prompt treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis: This rare condition can cause skin lesions, including on the diaper area, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Congenital syphilis: This condition can cause skin lesions, including on the diaper area, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications.
- Zinc deficiency: This rare condition can cause skin lesions, including on the diaper area, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.