Childhood Exanthems (Viral Rashes)

Key points

• • Exanthems are widespread rashes that come with a fever, and in children they are usually caused by viruses.
• • Measles gives a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, with white Koplik spots in the mouth before a blotchy rash spreads down from the face.
• • Rubella (German measles) gives a milder rash with swollen glands behind the ears, but it is dangerous to an unborn baby.
• • Chickenpox (varicella) gives itchy spots that turn to blisters and crusts, appearing in crops so that different stages are seen together.
• • Others include roseola, fifth disease (slapped-cheek) and hand-foot-and-mouth disease, each with its own pattern.