Exanthem

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An exanthem is a widespread rash, usually viral, and usually occurring in children. 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, exanthems in children have been numbered in the order they were identified:

First disease - Rubeola, Measles (caused by Morbillivirus)
Second disease - Scarlet Fever, Scarlatina (caused by Group A streptococcal infection -- the only bacterial examthem)
Third disease - Rubella, German measles (caused by Rubella virus)
Fourth disease - Duke's disease, "viral rash" (classification considered defunct by many)
Fifth disease - Erythema infectiosum, slapped cheek syndrome (caused by Parvovirus B19)
Sixth disease - Exanthem subitum, Roseola infantum, baby measles (caused by Human Herpes Virus 6)

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

External links

[Overview at About.com]
[Definition at MedTerms]
[Differential diagnosis]
[Dermatology Quiz] Includes photo, diagnosis, and treatment of unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE).

Exanthema [http://encycl.opentopia.com/ edit]
Measles (1st disease) - Scarlet fever (2nd disease) - Rubella (3rd disease)
Duke's disease (4th disease) - Slap cheek (5th disease) - Roseola (6th disease)

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