Sudden exanthema
"The prognosis is excellent in the vast majority of cases. The exanthema can recur, although it is not very frequent".
DR. MARTA BOTRÁN PRIETO
SPECIALIST. PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT
Sudden onset rash is a viral disease that mainly affects children between the ages of 4 months and 2 years.
It is transmitted by blood and saliva. Skin lesions are pink or red spots that whiten under pressure. They first appear on the trunk and neck and then spread to the arms, legs and face.
Symptoms of sudden exanthem
Fever
The characteristic clinical picture consists of two to three days of high fever usually associated with a good general condition and no previous symptoms.
Exanthema
With the disappearance of the fever, a pink, punctiform rash (pimples) appears, which starts appearing on the chest and then spreads to the face, abdomen and, to a lesser extent, to the extremities. This rash lasts between one and two days.
Prodromal symptoms
In cases with prodromal symptoms these are limited to minimal clear rhinorrhoea, conjunctival hyperaemia, with or without eyelid oedema, and pharyngeal swelling. There may be some small cervical lymphadenopathy and less frequently occipital lymphadenopathy.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
What are the causes of sudden exanthema?
Its most common agent is the human herpesvirus 6, although cases caused by human herpesvirus 7 have also been reported.
There are two types of human herpesvirus 6: Type A and Type B. 99% of cases of roseola are caused by type B.
The incubation period ranges from 5 to 15 days. The reservoir of the human herpesvirus 6 is usually the adult who has been in contact with the virus.
What are the complications of sudden exanthema?
Although infrequent, human herpesvirus 6 and 7 infection can present complications. The most common of these are febrile seizures during the pre-exanthematic period in human herpesvirus 6 primo-infection. These febrile seizures are usually not serious.
Direct involvement of the central nervous system has been reported as the cause of seizures. There have been cases of encephalitis and hepatitis in immunocompromised patients.
How is sudden exanthema diagnosed?
The diagnosis of sudden exanthema is based primarily on age, clinical history and clinical findings.
Laboratory tests show leukocytosis in the febrile phase. In the exanthematous period, however, leukopenia with lymphomonocytosis and neutropenia are prominent.
It must be differentiated from other exanthematous diseases such as rubella, measles and scarlet fever. A similar reaction occurs in hypersensitivity to drugs.
Also, especially at the onset of the symptoms and as the fever is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the pharynx and tympanic membrane, it could be mistaken for pharyngitis or otitis.
How is infantile cerebral palsy treated?
As it is a benign disease, treatment with antivirals is not considered. Due to the generally good general condition of the patients, extensive symptomatic treatment measures are not necessary.
Irritable or uncomfortable children may benefit from treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is important to give a good supply of fluids, especially during the febrile phase.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Pediatrics
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
All our specialists work exclusively and, in addition, since we have all the technology in the same center, we offer the performance of tests and diagnosis in less than 72 hours.
We have a team of highly qualified professionals to attend the different specialized units: Oncopediatrics, Neuropediatrics, Endocrinopediatrics, Neonatology, etc.
Organized in specialized units
- Neonatology Area.
- Pediatric Endocrinology.
- Pediatric Cardiology.
- Pediatric Neuropediatrics.
- Digestive and pediatric nutrition.
- General and preventive pediatrics.
- Pediatric Pneumology.
Why at the Clinica?
- Comprehensive care of the child.
- Professionals who are experts in the different areas for a better diagnosis and treatment.
- Equipped with the latest technology for newborn care.
Our team of experts in sudden exanthema
