Differential Diagnosis for Lower Limb Cellulitis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bacterial Cellulitis: This is the most common cause of lower limb cellulitis, typically caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species. The diagnosis is often made clinically based on the presence of erythema, warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the affected limb.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema/Dermatitis: Can present with similar symptoms to cellulitis, such as erythema and swelling, but is typically more pruritic and has a different distribution.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Can cause swelling, warmth, and erythema of the affected limb, but is typically more painful and has a different distribution.
- Lymphedema: Can cause chronic swelling of the affected limb, but is typically more indurated and has a different distribution.
- Contact Dermatitis: Can cause erythema, swelling, and blistering of the affected area, but is typically more localized and has a clear exposure history.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing Fasciitis: A life-threatening condition that can present with similar symptoms to cellulitis, but is typically more severe and has a rapid progression.
- Gas Gangrene: A life-threatening condition caused by Clostridium species, which can present with similar symptoms to cellulitis, but is typically more severe and has a rapid progression.
- Septic Arthritis: Can cause pain, swelling, and erythema of the affected joint, but is typically more severe and has a different distribution.
- Osteomyelitis: Can cause pain, swelling, and erythema of the affected bone, but is typically more severe and has a different distribution.
Rare Diagnoses
- Erythema Nodosum: A rare condition that can cause tender, erythematous nodules on the lower limbs, but is typically more localized and has a different distribution.
- Erythema Induratum: A rare condition that can cause tender, erythematous nodules on the lower limbs, but is typically more localized and has a different distribution.
- Lipodermatosclerosis: A rare condition that can cause chronic swelling and induration of the affected limb, but is typically more localized and has a different distribution.
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A rare condition that can cause lymphadenopathy and skin lesions, but is typically more systemic and has a different distribution.