Lupus is distinguished by its classic "butterfly" rash sparing the nasolabial folds and the presence of systemic symptoms, unlike the more diffuse rash of airborne contact dermatitis.
The presence of a heliotrope rash on the eyelids and Gottron papules on the knuckles are key signs of dermatomyositis that are absent in airborne contact dermatitis.
This is an acute, sunburn-like reaction to a specific drug-sunlight interaction, whereas airborne contact dermatitis is an eczematous reaction to environmental allergens.
Atopic eczema typically favors flexural areas, whereas airborne contact dermatitis has a classic distribution on exposed sites with sparing under the chin and behind the ears.
This bacterial infection is distinguished by its unilateral, warm, tender, and sharply demarcated presentation, which is very different from the bilateral, eczematous rash of airborne contact.
This viral exanthem is known for its "slapped cheek" appearance in children, which is a brighter, more confluent erythema than the dermatitis seen here.
Identified by its characteristic honey-colored crusts, impetigo is a focal bacterial infection, not a widespread dermatitis.
Rosacea is distinguished by papules, pustules, flushing, and telangiectasias in a central facial distribution, without the eczematous features of airborne contact.
This is characterized by greasy, yellowish scale in the nasolabial folds and eyebrows, a different quality and location of inflammation.
Chronic steroid use leads to skin atrophy, telangiectasias, and perioral dermatitis-like papules, not a primary widespread eczematous eruption.
This is a uniform, painful erythema directly corresponding to UV exposure, whereas airborne contact dermatitis is an itchy, eczematous process.
