Discussion on pictures - Red face

These are only some of the causes of a 'red face'. You might not be expected to know how to differentiate these, but at least learn the differential diagnosis.

1. This girl came with a history of joint pains for 2 months duration.

What is the likely diagnosis?

This is the malar rash of systemic lupus erythematosus. The clinical history is compatible. Note the sparing of nasolabial folds.




2. This 58 years old lady presented with a history of bilateral shoulder pain and weakness for 3 weeks duration.

What is this physical sign?What is the diagnosis?

This is the well known Heliotrope rash of dermatomyositis. Note the characteristic colour and involvement of the eye lids and the nasolabial folds.






3. This 65 years old lady is under cardiology clinic follow up for chronic shortness of breath.

What is the likely diagnosis?

This facial flushing is very non-specific. Note that it's just erythema and there's no true 'rash' as such. With the clinical history the likely diagnosis is malar rash due to mitral stenosis.





4.  This 74 years old man admitted with 2 months history of episodic facial redness, diarrhea, and wheezing.

What is the probable underlying diagnosis?

Even without looking at the picture, with the classic history you can make the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome.