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ACUTE SKIN ERUPTIONS IN CHILDREN
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The following skin eruptions (some of which may also occur in adults) are outlined in common childhood infectious diseases (
110):
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measles
rubella
viral exanthem (fourth syndrome)
erythema infectiosum (fifth syndrome)
roseola infantum (sixth syndrome)
Kawasaki disorder
varicella
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Key investigations Many diagnoses are clinical. Consider:
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FBE/ESR/CRP
EBV test
HIV test
serology for rubella, parvovirus, syphilis and other suspected infections
viral and bacterial cultures
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SECONDARY SYPHILIS (ADULTS)
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The rash usually appears 2–4 mths after the primary chancre (or even longer). It is relatively coarse and asymptomatic. It can involve the whole body, incl. the palms and soles.
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PRIMARY HIV INFECTION
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A common manifestation of the primary HIV infection is an erythematous, maculopapular rash. If such a rash, accompanied by an illness like glandular fever, occurs, HIV infection should be suspected and specific tests ordered.
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The sudden eruption of small (less than 5 mm) round, very dense, red papules of psoriasis on the trunk. Usually seen in children and adolescents following a sore throat. The rash may extend to the limbs, and soon develops a white silvery scale. It may undergo spontaneous resolution or enlarge to form plaques and tends to last 6 months. Plaques are likely to respond to milder topical treatments (see Psoriasis, 411).
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A rash is one of the most common side effects of drug therapy, which can precipitate many different types of rash; the most common is toxic erythema. Examples are antibiotics, esp. penicillin, thiazides, anti-epileptics, allopurinol and NSAIDs.
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An acute eruption affecting the skin and mucosal surfaces, mainly backs of hands, palms and forearms; also feet, toes, mouth. It is a hypersensitivity reaction, the causes of which are many but mainly unknown (50%) and herpes simplex virus. Mainly seen in children and young adults.
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STEVENS–JOHNSON SYNDROME/TOXIC ...