[Viral exanthem]

Abstract

The most frequent cause of exanthematous diseases are viral infections, which provoke skin alterations either directly or via the reaction of the immune system. In many distinct parainfectious clinical pictures, several viruses from quite different groups are able to produce a specific exanthem. Dominant pathogens for exanthematous diseases include non-polio enteroviruses, respiratory viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, HHV-6 and HHV-7 viruses as well as parvovirus B19. In many cases exanthemata present with maculate or maculopapular features in disseminated distribution. Some exanthematous diseases exhibit typical predilection sites. In addition to the clinical picture, diagnosis is based on the patient's history, observation of the patient's general condition, awareness of the season in the year, and physical examination. In uncertain cases and for scientific studies, blood analysis, smear tests, and histological investigation confirm the diagnosis. Knowledge of exanthematous disease, which usually run harmless course, is essential for differentiation of life-threatening disorders. This article presents exanthematous viral diseases depending on age at primary manifestation.