Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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Exanthem | Cause | Clinical Features | Tests | Management |
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Measles (Rubeola) | Measles virus (spread via respiratory droplets) |
- High fever
- Cough, coryza, conjunctivitis - Koplik spots in the mouth - Maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading down |
- Clinical diagnosis
- Measles-specific IgM or PCR for viral RNA |
- Supportive care with fluids and antipyretics
- Vitamin A supplementation - Isolation to prevent transmission |
Rubella (German Measles) | Rubella virus (spread via respiratory droplets) |
- Low-grade fever
- Lymphadenopathy - Pink maculopapular rash starting on the face - Less severe than measles |
- Rubella-specific IgM antibodies
- PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs |
- Supportive care
- Isolation, especially from pregnant women |
Varicella (Chickenpox) | Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), spread via droplets or direct contact |
- Fever, malaise
- Pruritic vesicular rash ("dew drop on a rose petal") - Rash starts on trunk, spreads to limbs and face |
- Clinical diagnosis
- PCR or DFA from skin lesions in atypical cases |
- Supportive care with antihistamines
- Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) in severe cases or immunocompromised patients |
Roseola (Exanthem Subitum) | Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) |
- High fever for 3-5 days
- Pink maculopapular rash appears once fever subsides - Typically affects infants and young children |
- Clinical diagnosis
- PCR for HHV-6 in rare cases |
- Supportive care
- Antipyretics for fever |
Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease) | Parvovirus B19 (spread via respiratory droplets) |
- "Slapped cheek" red rash on face
- Lacy reticular rash on limbs - Mild systemic symptoms |
- Clinical diagnosis
- Serology for parvovirus B19-specific IgM |
- Supportive care
- Avoid contact with pregnant women |
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) | Coxsackievirus or enterovirus (spread via direct contact) |
- Fever, sore throat
- Vesicular rash on hands, feet, and inside mouth - Affects young children |
- Clinical diagnosis
- PCR to confirm virus in severe cases |
- Supportive care with fluids and antipyretics
- Ensure hydration, as oral lesions can cause painful swallowing |