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An exanthem is a widespread rash, usually viral, and usually occurring in children. It represents either a reaction to a toxin produced by the organism, damage to the skin by the organism or an immune response. Exanthems may also be due to a drug, most commonly antibiotics.
Historically, exanthems in children have been numbered in the order they were identified:
- First disease - Rubeola, Measles (caused by Morbillivirus)
- Second disease - Scarlet Fever, Scarlatina (caused by Group A streptococcal infection -- the only bacterial examthem)
- Third disease - Rubella, German measles (caused by Rubella virus)
- Fourth disease - Duke's disease, "viral rash" (classification considered defunct by many)
- Fifth disease - Erythema infectiosum, slapped cheek syndrome (caused by Parvovirus B19)
- Sixth disease - Exanthem subitum, Roseola infantum, baby measles (caused by Human Herpes Virus 6)
A new exanthem was identified in 1992, unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE), later also known as asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood.
External links
- Overview at About.com
- Definition at MedTerms
- Differential diagnosis
- Dermatology Quiz Includes photo, diagnosis, and treatment of unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE).
"Exanthem"