Historically, five "classical" childhood exanthems have been recognized. They include measles (rubeola), chickenpox (varicella), rubella (German measles), erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), and scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is the only exanthem that is bacterial in origin; the others are caused by viruses. Other exanthems (e.g. Duke's disease) are not considered as part of the classic childhood exanthems by some textbooks, nor are other classic childhood diseases (e.g. mumps) considered to be classic childhood exanthems as they do not typically cause rash and, to be a classic exanthem, one must be a rash- or otherwise skin disease-causing illness).
The causes of more recent additions such as roseola (sixth disease) have been identified. Vaccinations now exist against measles, rubella, and chickenpox.
A "new" exanthem was identified in 1992--unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE), later also known as asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood.
References
External links
- Overview at About.com
- Definition at MedTerms
- Differential diagnosis
- Dermatology Quiz Includes photo, diagnosis, and treatment of unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE).
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Last updated on Thursday July 24, 2008 at 18:51:54 PDT (GMT -0700)
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