Final answer:
The most likely differential diagnosis for a 47-year-old man of Northern European ancestry presenting with erythematous, papular lesions on his forehead and chin is acne rosacea. Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly affects adults, particularly those with fair skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely differential diagnosis for a 47-year-old man of Northern European ancestry presenting with erythematous, papular lesions on his forehead and chin is acne rosacea. Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly affects adults, particularly those with fair skin. It is characterized by persistent redness, papules, and pustules on the central part of the face, including the forehead and chin.
Unlike acne vulgaris, which is more common in adolescents and involves the sebaceous glands, acne rosacea primarily affects the blood vessels in the skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including environmental factors, certain foods, alcohol consumption, and stress.
Other differential diagnoses, such as tinea facialis (a fungal infection), hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent abscesses), and atopic dermatitis (an inflammatory skin condition), are less likely based on the given information.