Viral Exanthems Flashcards
What are some erythmatous Exanthems that tend to start on the face?
Measles, rubella, erythema infectiosum
What are some erythmatous Exanthems that tend to start on the trunk?
Roseola, scarlet fever
What are some papulo-vesicular exanthems?
Chickenpox, gianotti-crosti syndrome
What are some exanthems of the extremities?
Hand, foot and mouth disease, COVID-19, papular-pupuric gloves and socks syndrome
Is measles a modifiable disease?
Yes
What pathogen causes measles?
Paramyxovirus
How long is the incubation period for measles?
7-18 days
How is measles transmitted?
Airborne or droplet transmission
How may a patient with measles present?
Rash is preceded by fever, cough and very red eyes. Older children may have photophobia. Rash is erythematous, maculopapular and last 4-7 days first on face then chest, abdomen, arms and legs. Koplik’s spots
What are Koplik’s spots?
Small red spots with a bluish-white centre that appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth
Is rubella a notifiable disease?
Yes
How may a patient with rubella present other than the rash?
Prodromal symptoms occurring 1-5 days before rash of mild fever, conjunctivitis, tender post-auricular lymphadenopathy
What is the rash like which is seen in cases of rubella?
Transient pink/light red rash that starts on face then moves onto trunk and limbs
From when is someone with rubella infective?
From 1 week before the rash onset until 4 days after rash onset
Why is important for people with rubella to avoid pregnant ladies?
If a pregnant lady gets infected their unborn baby may develop abnormalities
What causes erythema infectiosum (slapped cheek syndrome) and how is it transmitted?
Parvovirus B19, transmitted by respiratory droplets
How is a patient with erythema infectiosum likely to present?
Common in winter and spring, patient aged 4-10 years old. May have mild prodromal symptoms preceding the rash. Rash- confluent, erythematous, oedematous patches on the cheeks with sparing of the nasal bridge and periorbital areas which fades over a few days
Until when is a child with slapped cheek syndrome infective?
They are no longer infective when the ras appears
What causes roseola and how is it transmitted?
Human herpes virus 6 or 7, transmitted by airborne or droplets
How will a patient with roseola typically present?
Child up to 3 years of age with high fever for a few days which settles as rash appears, abdominal pain and malaise. Occasionally URTI
What is the rash like which is associated with roseola?
Small, pink/red macules spometimes with papules. First affecting trunk then arms and neck. Very little on face and legs. Lasts 1-2 days
What causes scarlet fever and how is it transmitted?
Caused by streptococcus pyogenes, transmitted by aerosols and droplets
Is scarlet fever a notifiable disease?
Yes
How will a patient with scarlet fever typically present?
Child between 2-8 years with fever sore throat and headache. Rash on trunk rapidly spreading to other parts of body
What is the rash like which is associated scarlet fever?
A fine, papular, erythematous rash that feels like sandpaper. As rash fades peeling affects the fingertips, toes and groin
How can the tongue be affected in scarlet fever?
It gets a white coating which peels after a few days leaving the tongue red and swollen (known as strawberry tongue)
What causes chickenpox?
Varicella-zoster virus
How is chickenpox transmitted?
Transmitted through direct person to person contact, droplet or contact with infected items like clothing
Where is the rash in chickenpox distributed?
Mostly over the trunk, more sparsely over the limbs
What does the rash look like in chicken pox?
Crops of red flat macules which become raised then blister and crust
Until when is chicken pox infective?
Until all the lesions have crusted over. The most infective time is 1-2 days before the rash appears
