Symptoms and clinical picture of sudden exanthema
Characteristic signs of sudden exanthema are fever with a temperature rise of up to 40 degrees, and the appearance of a small rash on all parts of the body. The child refuses food and becomes weak.
A maculopapular rash develops 4-5 days after the onset of fever. During this period, the temperature normalizes.
Symptoms of sudden exanthema:
- temperature up to 40 degrees;
- the appearance of a small rash, slightly rising above the skin level;
- an increase in the size of regional lymph nodes;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- swelling of the upper eyelids;
- spread of rash in the oral cavity.
Exanthema: causes, symptoms and treatment
04.10.2021
A rash is a skin lesion that appears after taking various medications, both general and local use. Such changes can also be caused by infectious diseases. Skin lesions can take many forms, depending on what factors cause them and the general health of the patient. How can a rash be diagnosed and treated ?
Exanthema - causes
The exact mechanism of drug-induced skin damage is not fully known. One of the theories that explains this phenomenon is the so-called Hapten theory. According to her, in order for the body's immune response to occur after taking a drug, the drug must be combined with carriers, that is, proteins contained in tissues or blood . In addition to drug rash, we can talk about rashes that are caused by infectious diseases. This type of skin lesion most often appears in children, usually due to diseases such as scarlet fever and measles. In adults, the cause of an infectious rash is, for example, syphilis.
Women are more susceptible to rashes than men. Additionally, more cases of skin lesions have been reported in older people. It is estimated that skin allergies following the use of medications occur in approximately 2.2% of patients taking any medications.
The risk of rash increases due to factors such as:
- taking a lot of medications
- liver failure
- renal failure
- AIDS
Depending on the form the rash takes, there are several types.
The most common forms are:
- macular rash
- papular rash
- maculopapular rash
Macular rash is characterized by the appearance of lesions in the form of red spots on the skin. This type of skin lesion is often caused by taking antibiotics, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or antiepileptic drugs. During follicular rash, blisters and papules appear on the skin, while the latter type of rash is a combination of macules and papules.
Exanthema - symptoms
Drug-induced skin lesions can take different forms in different patients. The rash can appear in different areas of the body. Changes usually occur symmetrically on both sides of the body. In the case of drug rash, the skin rashes are often located around the arms and torso. It is important that the changes gradually spread and occupy larger and larger areas of the body. Skin lesions associated with an infectious rash usually appear first around the head and ears and then spread to the lower body.
Characteristic changes for the rash include:
- acne
- hives
- dye changes
- necrotic lesions
- lichen changes
The changes are usually accompanied by itching and sometimes flaking of the skin. Drug-induced skin lesions are sometimes associated with general illnesses that include general weakness, bronchospasm, fever and headaches. In some cases, complaints related to internal organs arise. The most common complications are hepatitis, myocarditis , nephritis, and albuminuria.
Exanthema - treatment
When treating a rash, it is very important to determine its cause. It is necessary to diagnose whether the rash is drug-induced or occurs during the course of an infectious disease, because only then is effective treatment possible. If the rash is caused by a particular medication, the mainstay of treatment is to stop taking that medication. If the symptoms associated with the rash, such as itching, are very bothersome to the patient, it is recommended to take antihistamines to reduce discomfort. In case the rash is caused by an infection, you should start by treating the infectious disease. In this case, the patient is often given antibiotics or other antibacterial and antiviral drugs.
The symptoms of a rash should not be underestimated, as this can lead to serious complications. In most cases, the rash is mild, but sometimes its course is acute and can lead to toxic epidermal neurolysis, which poses a serious threat to the patient's life. It is estimated that in 0.32 to 1 percent, a drug allergic reaction results in the patient's death.
Published in Dermatology Premium Clinic
Diagnostic methods
The basis for diagnosing sudden exanthema is taking an anamnesis and physical examination. Clarifying studies are also carried out - laboratory and instrumental. Tests prescribed for sudden exanthema:
- laboratory analysis to determine blood changes (leukopenia, increased ESR);
- serological tests using the PCR method (to identify the pathogen).
An ultrasound of the liver and an ultrasound of the spleen (if they are enlarged) are also performed.
Non-infectious causes of rash:
- allergies, for example, to medications (including such dangerous forms as urticaria and erythema multiforme);
- autoimmune diseases (rheumatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus...);
- blood diseases;
- and many other reasons.
A rash, especially if it appears suddenly and is accompanied by other serious symptoms (fever, pain, itching, nausea and vomiting, deterioration in general health) requires immediate medical attention.
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