common skin eruptions in childhood

Question 1

What is pityriasis rosea?

Answer 1

common but mild acute inflammatory skin disorder
occurs any age but mainly young adults
preceding herald patch (1-2 weeks)
oval, slamon pink or copper coloured eruption
follows cleavage lines of skin with “fir tree” pattern on back
on trunk t-shirt distribution
spontaneous resolution in 2-10 weeks
does not appear to be contagious

Question 2

What is common presentation of measles?

Answer 2

Acute febrile exanthematous illness associated with red eyes, dry cough and with characteristic lesions on buccal mucosa called koplik spots.
Complications usually respiratory.

Question 3

What is the typical presentation of rubella?

Answer 3

No prodrome
Generalised maculopapular rash, sometimes itchy. Not confluent.
Often reddened pharynx
Absent or low grade fever
Infectious for up to 10 days from onset of rash

Question 4

What is the common presentation of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease, slapped cheek)

Answer 4

Bright macular rash on face first then appears on limbs
Lasts a few days but may recur for several weeks
Circumoral pallor

Question 5

What is the common presentation of roseola infantum (exanthema subitum or sixth disease)?

Answer 5

High fever, runny nose for 3 days. Temp drops then rash appears. Usually confined to trunk and disappears in 2 days

Question 6

What is the typical presentation of scarlet fever?

Answer 6

Group A strep infection
Rash appears on day 2 of illness
Initially on neck
Absent or sparse on face, palms, soles
Circumoral pallor
Feels like fine sandpaper 
Lasts 5 days

Question 7

What is the typical presentation of mumps?

Answer 7

Mostly affects children
Infectious during prodrome
Can cause fetal abnormalities
Usually 5-7 days fever, headache, malaise
Dry mouth
Unilateral or bilateral inflammation of parotid gland

Question 8

what is the typical presentation of varicella (chicken pox)?

Answer 8

generally 2-8 year olds (although can be any age)
children no prodrome, adults myalgia, headache fevers for 2-3 days
centripetal distribution including oral mucosa
“cropping” phenomenon: vesicles, papules, crusting lesions present together
possible coomplications viral pneumonia, eczema herpeticum, thrombocytopaenia, birth defects with neonatal infection, acute cerebellitis