Common childhood exanthems

common rashes - school age

roseola

  • causative pathogen: HHV6
  • accompanied by: coryza, fever
  • time course: day 3-5
  • pattern: rose-pink, small blanching spots, on trunk

molluscum

Poxvirus
Clinical presentation - time course: ?
- pattern: round papules in clusters, on warm moist places
- "contains white cheesy material" help
Management Supportive
Public health No school exclusion, routine hygiene advice

'fifth disease'

Parvovirus B19
Clinical presentation accompanied by: coryza, fever
- time course:
- appears a few days after fever
- rash lasts 2-4 days
- pattern: pink, lacey rash on limbs +/- trunk; slapped cheek appearance
Management Supportive
Complications: aplastic crisis with existing haemolytic anaemias
Public health No school exclusion, not contagious
However should inform school/nursery