Differential Diagnosis for Circular Rash with Clear Drainage
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Ringworm (Tinea corporis): This is a common fungal infection that presents with a circular rash, often with clear drainage, and is usually accompanied by itching and redness. The rash typically has a raised border and central clearing.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Nummular dermatitis: This condition is characterized by coin-shaped patches of dry, itchy skin, which can sometimes appear as a circular rash with clear drainage.
- Contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction or irritation from substances like soap, detergent, or metals can cause a circular rash with clear drainage.
- Impetigo: A bacterial skin infection that can cause a circular rash with clear or pus-like drainage, often accompanied by itching and redness.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Lyme disease: Although less common, Lyme disease can present with a circular rash (erythema migrans) and clear drainage, making it crucial to consider, especially in patients with a history of tick exposure.
- Erythema migrans (without Lyme disease context): This condition can present similarly to Lyme disease, with a circular expanding rash, and it's essential to rule out other causes.
- Rare diagnoses
- Granuloma annulare: A rare skin condition characterized by a circular rash with clear drainage, often accompanied by itching and redness.
- Erythema annulare centrifugum: A rare condition that presents with a circular, expanding rash, which can have clear drainage and is often accompanied by itching.