Erythema Infectiosum

Abstract

Although erythema infectiosum has many distinctive symptoms, the prognosis is excellent because the condition in children is usually self-limited.

Epidemiological and clinical features of erythema infectiosum in children in Novi Sad from 2000 to 2009

“…Therefore, EI should not be a diagnostic problem because of its characteristic presentation and the course of the illness. EI description as "geographical map with lakes" as the most picturesque of all the rashes, together with phasic course with slapped cheeks or sun-burnt facial aspect preceding rash, are pathognomonic, and seen only in this disease 1,7,8 . However, the number of patients had been referred to the Institute because of suspected allergic rash, and a relatively large proportion of children (12.15%) had been previously prescribed antihistamine and corticosteroid treatment and …”

“…In all 12 tested serum samples Pv B19 infection was serologically detected. According to the literature, laboratory proof of Pv B19 infection is not necessary in cases with characteristic clinical picture and uncomplicated course in previously healthy children 1,7,8 . Therefore, EI should not be a diagnostic problem because of its characteristic presentation and the course of the illness.…”

“…The differential diagnosis includes the other viral rashes (rubella, measles, enteroviral infection), scarlet fever, cheek erysipelas, hypersensitivity reaction (urticaria, drug reaction or allergic exanthemata) and collagen vascular diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus). Due to the mild course only symptomatic treatment is necessary (antipyretics, antihistamines) 1,7,8 .…”

Review: Pathogenesis of Parvovirus Infections in Children

“…The most common manifestation of parvovirus B19 infection in healthy children is erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease or slapped cheek disease. It is characterized by mild constitutional symptoms followed by a maculopapular reticulated rash on the cheeks (slapped-cheek) that may spread to the trunk and extremities [4,5]. In healthy adults and children infection may also be asymptomatic, result in a respiratory illness without a rash or in the papular-purpuric hands and gloves syndrome (PPGSS).…”