Diseases that Exhibit Similar Symptoms

Other Rashes

Drug eruptions can present with a variety of generalized rashes, and may have concurrent symptoms, such as fever. (19:9) Other causes of generalized rash illnesses, such as insect bites, scabies, and contact dermatitis to less common conditions such as disseminated herpes simplex, erythema multiforme, rickettsial pox and monkeypox. (19:10)

Clinical Clues for Disseminated herpes zoster include: (22:V4:28) a prior history of chickenpox, and immunocompromised hosts.

Clinical Clues for Ipetigo (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) are: (22:V4:28) honey-colored crusted plaques with bullae, a rash that may begin as vesicles, and a regional not disseminated rash.

Clinical Clues for Drug eruptions and contact dermatitis are (22:V4:28) exposure to medications (prescription or over the counter), and contact with possible allergens.

Clinical Clues for Erythema multiforme (includes Stevens Johnson Syndrome): (22:V4:28) major form involves mucous membranes and conjunctivae.

Clinical Clues for Scabies and insect bites (include. Fleas) (22:V4:28) include pruritis, in scabies, look for burrows, vesicles and nodules also occur, flea bites are pruritic, also the patient is usually unaware of flea exposure.

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