Differential Diagnosis for a Red Papule Fast Growing on a Kid
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pyogenic Granuloma: A common, benign vascular lesion that can appear as a fast-growing red papule, often in children. It is usually caused by minor trauma and can bleed easily.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that can present as a red papule and grow rapidly during the first few months of life. It often appears in infancy.
- Wart (Verruca Vulgaris): Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts can appear as red, fast-growing papules, especially if they become irritated or infected.
- Keratosis Pilaris: While not typically fast-growing, keratosis pilaris can cause red papules, especially on the arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks, and may be more noticeable in children.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignant Melanoma: Although rare in children, it is crucial to consider melanoma in any rapidly growing pigmented lesion to avoid missing this potentially deadly diagnosis.
- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare disorder that can cause skin lesions, including red papules, and is critical to diagnose early due to its potential systemic involvement and serious complications.
- Infectious Lesions (e.g., MRSA, Impetigo): Certain bacterial infections can cause rapidly growing, red lesions that require prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Kaposi's Sarcoma: A rare cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels and can appear as red papules, though it is exceedingly rare in children without immunocompromisation.
- Juvenile Xanthogranuloma: A rare, benign condition that can cause red or yellowish papules, often on the head, neck, or trunk, and may resolve spontaneously.
- Mastocytoma: A rare, benign growth of mast cells in the skin that can appear as a red, fast-growing papule, often in infants.