Work-up for Acute Generalised Skin Eruption

Question 1

What should you do if 90% of the body surface area is erythematous?

Answer 1

Urgent dermatology review

Question 2

What are the likely differentials in this case?

Blisters with mucous membrane involvement.

Answer 2

1. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
3. Acute pemphigus

Question 3

What are the likely differentials in this case?

Blisters >5mm (bullae).

Answer 3

1. Bullous pemphigoid
2. Erythema multiforme
3. Acute dermatitis
4. Insect bite

Question 4

What are the likely differentials in this case?

Blisters <5mm (vesicles).

Answer 4

1. Herpes simplex/zoster
2. Dermatitis herpetiformis
3. Chickenpox
4. Impetigo
5. Acute dermatitis

Question 5

What are the likely differentials in this case?

Purpura and infection.

Answer 5

1. Meningococcal sepsis

2. Endocarditis

Question 6

What are the likely differentials in this case?

Purpura and low platelets or high PT/APTT.

Answer 6

1. Coagulopathy
2. Anticoagulant therapy
3. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
4. Immune thrombocytopenia purpura
5. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Question 7

What are the likely differentials in this case?

Wheals.

Answer 7

Urticaria