Children Skin Conditions

Question 1

Describe how measles may present (5)

Answer 1

• Acute fever
• Koplik (white) spots in the mouth
• Red rash that starts behind the ears and works its way down
• Conjunctivitis
• Coryza (a lot of catarrhal inflammation of nasal mucous membrane)

Question 2

Describe how Scarlet fever may appear (6)

Answer 2

• Acute fever
• Fine, pale red maculo-papulo rash that turns into a scarlet rash after 1-2 days
• Rash begins on the neck then spreads to the rest of the body (groin, axilla)
• Strawberry tongue (bright red tongue with enlarged papillae)
• Non-blanching petechiae/Pastia’s lines typically found at body creases (popliteal fossa, antecubital fossa)
• Red cheeks with peri-oral pallor

Question 3

Describe how Rubella may appear (2)

Answer 3

• Acute fever

- Non-confluent, pink, maculopapular rash that begins behind the ears and works its way down

Question 4

Describe how Erythema infectiosum may appear (3)

Answer 4

• Acute fever
• (2nd) Red papules develop on the extremities and trunk that then form a lace-like reticular formation
• (1st) Red rash appears on cheeks that join together to form swollen, warm plaques - slapped cheeks

Question 5

Measles is a self limiting disease that should resolve in about 1 week. Pt should stay at home for at least 4 days after the rash appears (as they are contagious).

Diarrhoea is one complication of measles. Name 6 other complications of measles.

Answer 5

1. Croup
2. Encephalitis
3. Still birth
4. SSPE Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
5. Bronchopneumonia
6. Transient hepatitis

Question 6

Discuss how Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis appears.

Answer 6

Pt will get seizures, behavioural and intellectual change years after having a measles infection. This will be as a result of persistent measles infection.