Differential diagnosis of the rash
| Differential diagnosis | Factors supporting this diagnosis | Factors not supporting this diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| • Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (ISD) | Infant age group (<4–6 months old at onset) | Rash on chin not typical |
| Widespread rash | No classic cradle cap | |
| Unusual distribution | ||
| No response to emollients or steroid | ||
| • Atopic dermatitis | May be difficult to distinguish from ISD1 | No family history |
| Breast fed (evidence equivocal) | ||
| No response to emollients or steroid | ||
| • Irritant or contact dermatitis | Localised rash on chin | Unusual distribution with no clear precipitating factors or history |
| No response to emollients or steroid | ||
| • Candidal dermatitis | Sore looking rash | No oral or perineal thrush |
| Satellite lesions | No response to antifungal cream | |
| May have been exacerbated by steroid cream | Rash on wrist and scalp not typical | |
| • Impetigo | Rash on chin looks typical | Rash on wrist and scalp not typical |
| May have been exacerbated by steroid cream | ||
| • Scabies | Widespread lesions including wrist | No family history |
| Rash on chin not compatible | ||
| No lesions on palms or soles | ||
| • Nutritional deficiency | Preterm infant (poor stores) | Rare presentation |
| Chronic disease (increased requirements) | No growth failure or other signs | |
| Hospital course seems uncomplicated |