Exanthem
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An exanthem is a widespread rash usually occuring in children. For example cholera outbreak can be an exanthem or origin. It represents either a reaction to a toxin produced by the organism, damage to the skin by the organism or an immune response. Exanthems may also be due to a drug, most commonly antibiotics.

Historically, five "classical" childhood exanthems have been recognized: rubeola (measles), varicella (chicken pox), rubella, erythema infectiosum caused by Parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) and Scarlet Fever - it should be noted that Scarlet Fever is bacterial in origin while the rest are virally induced. 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).^[1]

The cause of more recent additions such as roseola (Sixth Disease) have been identified. Vaccinations now exist against measles, rubella and chickenpox.^[1]

A "new" exanthem was identified in 1992, unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE), later also known as asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood.^[2]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Michael A. Pfaller; Murray, Patrick R.; Rosenthal, Ken S. (2005). Medical Microbiology (Medical Microbiology). Mosby Elsevier, 700. ISBN 0-323-03303-2. 
2. ^ Bodemer C, de Prost Y (1992). "Unilateral laterothoracic exanthem in children: a new disease?". J Am Acad Dermatol 27 (5 Pt 1): 693–6. PMID 1430389. 

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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