Viral exanthem in Child
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
During spring and winter, nonspecific eruptions can be seen with upper respiratory illnesses, often due to parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, rhinovirus, and type A and B influenza virus. These are generally morbilliform in appearance and last for up to 2 days, and largely occur in children. Petechial lesions can also be seen in influenza and enteroviral infections when generalized.
The classic childhood diseases that cause viral exanthems were originally named numerically for the order in which they were discovered. Second disease (scarlet fever) is secondary to a bacterial infection and will not be covered in this section. Fourth disease is no longer felt to represent a distinct entity. Measles and rubella have largely been prevented by vaccination in industrialized countries; however, suspicion must remain high given the recent trend towards refusing childhood vaccination and in the case of nonimmunized migrants.
First disease (measles, rubeola) occurs secondary to paramyxovirus. After 10-14 days, a prodrome of fever, dry cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis (often with photosensitivity) occurs, with development of Koplik spots (gray-white papules on the buccal mucosa) approximately 2 days prior to cutaneous symptoms. Cutaneous lesions begin on the head and proceed in a cephalocaudal progression. Petechial, vesicular, and purpuric lesions have been described in association with atypical measles. The rash fades after about 5 days in a cephalocaudal fashion. Patients are contagious for about 4 days prior to and after the exanthem.
Third disease (rubella, German measles) occurs secondary to togavirus. After 2-3 weeks, a prodrome of fever, headache, malaise, and lymphadenopathy (characteristically involving the occipital and post-auricular lymph nodes) occurs. This is followed by an exanthem that spreads in a cephalocaudal fashion and fades more rapidly than measles, occurring over 3 days. Punctate erythematous spots over the uvula and soft palate (Forchheimer sign) can also be seen.
Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) occurs secondary to parvovirus B19. It is most commonly noted in patients between 4 and 10 years of age and involves a "slapped cheek" appearance of the cheeks with circumoral pallor. After 1-4 days, a lacy reticular eruption on extensor surfaces arises that lasts up to 3 weeks. This eruption commonly waxes and wanes in intensity in response to local irritation, emotional stress, and high temperatures.
Sixth disease (roseola, exanthem subitum) occurs secondary to human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 or HHV-7 and occurs in patients younger than 2 years of age. A prodrome of high fever in an otherwise well child occurs for up to 5 days, followed by a sudden defervescence and appearance of rose-pink macules and papules with white halos (subitum is Latin for "suddenly"). The presence of this exanthem marks the end of viremia. Palpebral and periorbital edema (Berliner's sign) may be seen.
There are other presentations of these viruses in this age group. Pityriasis rosea occurs secondary to HHV-6 and HHV-7 and is characterized by a prodrome marked by the appearance of a single, scaly pink plaque called the herald patch, followed by the eruption of several pink, oval, thin papules with a leading border of scale in a "Christmas-tree" pattern. Lesions resolve in weeks to months. Papular purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS) occurs secondary to parvovirus B19 and typically occurs in young adults but cases have been reported in children. It is characterized by symmetric purpuric or painful edema and erythema that progress to purpuric papules and petechiae. The lesions burn and itch and are sharply marginated at the ankles and feet. Oral lesions can be seen, including oral erosions, vesicles, swollen lips, and petechial of hard palate, pharynx, and tongue. The exanthem resolves in 1-2 weeks.
The presence of vesicular lesions can raise concern for varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), and herpangina.
The presence of localized lesions raises suspicion for unilateral laterothoracic exanthem, which affects children 6 months to 10 years of age. Lesions arise unilaterally around the axillary vault or inguinal crease before progressing to demonstrate bilateral involvement. Lesions are initially papular but progress to an eczematous appearance. Cutaneous lesions resolve over a period of weeks to months.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can also present as lymph node enlargement, yellow or gray tonsillar pseudomembrane, palatal petechiae, maculopapular or petechial eruption, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly. A diffuse morbilliform eruption can also be seen following administration of amoxicillin or ampicillin. Notably, very painful, >1 cm genital ulceration can be seen (Lipschütz ulcers) in pre-adolescent females, often with a necrotic appearance and violaceous borders, involving the labia majora, labia minora, or inner thighs. "Kissing lesions" with a symmetric appearance are seen.
Codes
ICD10CM:B09 – Unspecified viral infection characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions
SNOMEDCT:
49882001 – Viral exanthem
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Morbilliform drug eruption
- Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Erythematous bacterial exanthem such as toxic shock syndrome, scarlet fever, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
- Kawasaki syndrome
- Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME)
- Gianotti-Crosti syndrome
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:06/26/2017
Last Updated:03/21/2023
Last Updated:03/21/2023
Patient Information for Viral exanthem in Child
Overview
A viral exanthem is a rash caused by a viral infection. Many viruses can cause a similar-appearing rash, so it is difficult to tell which one is the culprit. Your child's age, duration of illness, and other symptoms may suggest which virus in the cause. Airway (respiratory) and stomach (gastrointestinal) viruses are common causes of such a rash.Who’s At Risk
Viral exanthem is common in children who may not yet have developed immunity to common viral infections.Signs & Symptoms
A rash all over (widespread) of pink-to-red spots or bumps occurs primarily on the trunk, arms, and legs. It may or may not be itchy. Sometimes, the person does not feel well and might have fever, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, aches and pains, and irritability.Self-Care Guidelines
For people with only mild symptoms, no treatment is required, as the rash and illness often last for only a few days and go away on their own. However, you might try:- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for low fever and aches and pains. DO NOT USE aspirin.
- Bed rest and plenty of liquids.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your child's doctor if he or she has any of the following:- Fever with a temperature over 101 degrees that lasts more than a day
- Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting, severe abdominal pain
- Severe cough or sputum with pus or blood
- Spots, swelling, and redness on the palms or soles; blisters; swollen and painful joints
- Red eyes, mouth, or tongue
- Rash that is bright red and does not fade (blanch) with finger pressure
Treatments
The doctor may do blood tests or cultures to look for more serious causes of such a rash.If a serious bacterial or other infection is suspected, antibiotics may be given.
References
Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1255-1259. New York: Mosby, 2003.
Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.2099-2101. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Viral exanthem in Child