Table 1 Characteristics of several common acute skin diseases
Diseases | Erythema multiforme | Systemic lupus erythematosus | Acute eczema | Contact dermatitis | Thrombocytopenic purpura |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rash area | Ends of the extremities | Both cheeks, extremities, behind the ears | Face, ears, hands, feet, forearms, and lower legs | Ends of the extremities | Ends of the extremities |
Rash features | Initially a well-defined red rash that becomes a raised, edematous papule | Dark purplish red rash | Dense corn-sized papules poorly defined borders | Edematous erythema, papules | Mucosal purpura of skin |
Associated symptoms | None | Raynanud’s phenomenon, with joint pain, hair loss and weakness | None | None | Chills and fever, extensive and severe skin, mucosal and visceral bleeding |
Test indicators | None | Positive antinuclear antibody, decreased white blood cells, decreased complement C3 and C4 | None | None | Low platelet count and prolonged bleeding time |