Childhood Exanthems

Abstract

Childhood exanthems are a common cause of skin disease in children. Several new aspects of exanthems are reviewed. Two conditions, unilateral laterothoracic exanthem and asymmetric periflexural exanthem, may be variations of the same disease and could potentially represent a cutaneous reaction to several infectious agents. An eruption that has been called papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome is usually, but not invariably, caused by parvovirus B19 infection. Another unusual exanthem, eruptive pseudoangiomatosis, is also discussed. Finally, several new developments in the etiology and disease spectrum of exanthem subitum are emphasized.