Skin, acute skin eruptions

Probability diagnosis

Varicella (chicken pox)

Measles

Rubella

Erythema infectiosum (‘slapped cheek’ disease)

Roseola infantum

Other viral exanthema (e.g. enterovirus)

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Pityriasis rosea

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Drug reaction (see list)

Impetigo

Herpes simplex

Allergic rash (incl. contact dermatitis)

Serious disorders not to be missed

Vascular:

• Henoch–Schönlein purpura

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome

• other vasculitides

Infection:

• purpura of meningococcus

• primary HIV infection

• folliculitis (e.g. pseudomonas, staphylococcus)

• secondary syphilis

• scarlet fever

Other:

• erythema nodosum

Pitfalls (often missed)

Guttate psoriasis

Epstein--Barr virus (EBV) mononucleosis

Arbovirus infection (e.g. dengue, Ross River fever,

Barmah Forest virus, Japanese encephalitis)

Scabies

Kawasaki disease

Eczema herpeticum

Zoonoses (e.g. listeriosis, Q fever)

Rarities:

• filovirus haemorrhagic diseases (e.g. Ebola, Marburg virus)

• erythema multiforme

Key history

Should be adapted to patient’s age as viral exanthema common in children. Site and mode of onset of rash, mode of progression and past history (e.g. eczema). Constitutional disturbance (e.g. pyrexia, pruritus). Drug history and exposure to irritants. Diet including unaccustomed food. Herald patch (pityriasis rosea). Contact with infectious diseases including child care centres and school. Overseas travel. Bleeding or bruising tendency.

Key examination

Skin of whole body

• Nature and distribution of the rash including lesion characteristics

• Nails and soles of feet

• Scalp, mucous membranes and oropharynx

• Conjunctivae and the lymphopoietic system (?lymphadenopathy, ?splenomegaly)

Key investigations

Many diagnoses are clinical. Consider:

• FBE/ESR/CRP

• EBV test

• HIV test

• serology for rubella, parvovirus, syphilis and other suspected infections

• viral and bacterial cultures.

Diagnostic tips

• Be vigilant for the deadly meningococcal septicaemia, which may present as an erythematous rash initially prior to the development of purpura.

• Prescribed drugs are a common cause of rash, especially toxic erythema. Examples are antibiotics, especially penicillin, thiazides, anti-epileptics, allopurinol, NSAIDs and other anti-arthritic agents.