Common Misdiagnoses of Erythema

Erythema describes skin that is red due to the capillaries becoming congested. There are a few types of this condition, with one of the most common being erythema multiforme, which is usually caused by either the herpes simplex virus or medications. The symptoms include an outbreak of raised spots, accompanied by a fever, itchiness and fatigue. On the other hand, erythema nodosum is usually caused by a handful of infections and diseases, certain medications and pregnancy. Its symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and flu symptoms. Most patients also get red lesions that are painful, which eventually become brown and yellow.

Some mild cases of erythema go away on their own without treatment, but it is still important to see a doctor to determine the underlying condition causing it. This is because some conditions result in blindness or death if not treated, so you need to determine the underlying cause and get it treated.

Proper Diagnosis Procedure

Most doctors complete a physical examination of the patient and also ask about the symptoms. If erythema is suspected, a skin biopsy may be ordered to allow the doctor to take a closer look at the tissue. A throat culture, blood test and X-ray may also be ordered to figure out which type of erythema the patient has.

Misread Diagnosis

Doctors who only rely on the physical exam and a list of symptoms may misdiagnose patients since some other conditions seem similar. However, even doctors who order a couple of tests may misread at least one, which is why the most thorough doctors tend to perform several screenings to determine the issue.

The symptoms of erythema can sometimes be confused with those of psoriasis. Psoriasis causes red, irritated skin that itches. It is a common condition, but severe cases usually only appear in those with a weakened immune system. Like erythema, some of the symptoms affect more than just the skin, as some patients also have joint pain. Unlike erythema, though, patients with psoriasis also tend to suffer from dandruff on the scalp, genital lesions and thick fingernails with brown spots on them. If a doctor cannot diagnose the condition accurately from the symptoms, a skin biopsy may be ordered, which should allow him to determine the issue. Of course, this can be misread by some doctors, which is why some also order X-rays.

Get Legal Help

Whether you have developed complications due to a delayed diagnosis of erythema, or simply had to miss several days of work due to a complete misdiagnosis, you may have a medical malpractice case. Find a lawyer to discuss your options, as you may be able to get reimbursed for your medical expenses and missed work days if you win the case.