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 |