- Exanthem
ICD9 = ICD9|034, ICD9|055-ICD9|057, ICD9|782.1
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MeshID = D005076
An exanthem (from Greek "exanthema", "a breaking out" [cite web |url=http://www.medicinenet.com/roseola/glossary.htm |title=Roseola Glossary of Terms with Definitions on MedicineNet.com |format= |work= |accessdate=] ) is a widespreadrash usually occurring inchildren . Exanthems can be caused bytoxin s ordrug s,microorganism s, or can result fromautoimmune disease .Historically, five "classical" childhood exanthems have been recognized. They include
measles (rubeola),chickenpox (varicella),rubella (German measles),erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), andscarlet fever . Scarlet fever is the only exanthem that is bacterial in origin; the others are caused byvirus es. 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).cite book |author=Michael A. Pfaller; Murray, Patrick R.; Rosenthal, Ken S. |title=Medical Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) |publisher=Mosby Elsevier |location= |year=2005 |pages=700 |isbn=0-323-03303-2 |oclc= |doi=]The causes of more recent additions such as
roseola (sixth disease) have been identified. Vaccinations now exist against measles, rubella, and chickenpox.cite book |author=Michael A. Pfaller; Murray, Patrick R.; Rosenthal, Ken S. |title=Medical Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) |publisher=Mosby Elsevier |location= |year=2005 |pages=700 |isbn=0-323-03303-2 |oclc= |doi=]A "new" exanthem was identified in 1992--
unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE), later also known asasymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood . [cite journal |author=Bodemer C, de Prost Y |title=Unilateral laterothoracic exanthem in children: a new disease? |journal=J Am Acad Dermatol |volume=27 |issue=5 Pt 1 |pages=693–6 |year=1992 |pmid=1430389]References
External links
* [http://dermatology.about.com/library/bldefexanthem.htm Overview] at
About.com
* [http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6530 Definition at MedTerms]
* [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_4_62/ai_65106197 Differential diagnosis]
* [http://www.childsdoc.org/spring97/quiz/derm.asp Dermatology Quiz] Includes photo, diagnosis, and treatment of unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (ULE).
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