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Exudative erythema in children. Erythema in children: causes, symptoms and treatment

Content

Erythema, as a viral disease, manifests itself in the form of a skin rash and symptoms of a cold. In most cases, children are susceptible to this infection. Infection occurs by airborne droplets. In addition to age, the appearance of erythema may be associated with blood diseases.

What is erythema infectiosum

Erythema infectiosum is a disease caused by parvovirus B19. The fifth disease in children (as doctors call erythema) in a group with herpes, rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, which pose a serious danger to pregnant women (this is a group of so-called TORCH infections). It took specialists time to study the causes and clinical picture of the pathology.

Medical statistics indicate that the disease occurs between the ages of 4 and 11 years. In adults, it occurs much less frequently, but is very difficult, especially in women aged 30-35 years. It poses the greatest danger during pregnancy at 10-26 weeks; infection leads to intoxication and death of the fetus, and termination of pregnancy.

Symptoms of erythema infectiosum

Exposure to parvovirus B19 causes symptoms of erythema infectiosum, similar to the common cold. The patient experiences sneezing, coughing, headache, weakness, decreased appetite, and chills. After a few days, a rash appears on the skin, the patient experiences severe muscle weakness, an increase in body temperature to 38 degrees (the indicator may be higher), an intensified headache, and the disease may be accompanied by abdominal pain.

The appearance of a rash on the skin occurs on the fifth day of the disease and manifests itself in stages:

  • bright red spots appear on the cheeks;
  • may spread to the chin and forehead;
  • may disappear after a few days;
  • appears secondarily almost throughout the body in the form of red spots that quickly spread;
  • causes severe itching and lasts about seven days;
  • after exposure to the sun it lasts much longer and appears again.

Symptoms of viral erythema in children

The disease comes in several types, one of them is viral erythema. The manifestations of each type of disease look specific and have specific causes. The main symptoms of viral erythema in children include runny nose, cough, chills, malaise, red spots on the mucous membranes of the mouth and skin. The disease manifests itself in children 4-12 years old; the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets to other children and adults.

After 3 days, a rash appears on the skin, joints are affected, this is the second phase of the disease. It has complications such as fever and rapid heartbeat. During the course of the infection, bone marrow tissue may be affected, this is accompanied by a disruption in the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes). The condition with complications lasts about 10 days. This is an acute, severe skin infection that requires attention and proper treatment.

Causes of erythema infectiosum

The entry of the erythema virus into the body of healthy children can cause small rashes, and mild malaise may be noted, but the condition quickly stabilizes, as with other childhood diseases. The disease occurs only once, after which a person develops immunity for the rest of his life. The causes of infectious erythema (or exanthema), which occurs in severe form, can be:

  • weakened immune defense;
  • chronic diseases;
  • blood problems.

Forms of erythema infectiosum

The main forms of erythema infectiosum are:

  • undifferentiated;
  • Chamer's erythema;
  • infectious Rosenberg;
  • exudative erythema multiforme in children;
  • sudden;
  • knotty.

Each form of the disease develops differently. For example, Chamera's erythema is relatively mild. The incubation period is 9-14 days. Fever does not occur, body temperature remains normal. The rashes are localized exclusively on the skin of the face, the progression of the disease is characterized by the fusion of individual elements of the rash, from which a butterfly configuration is formed.

Treatment of erythema infectiosum

The principle of treatment for erythema infectiosum is the same as for known microbial diseases. Treatment is carried out at home; special quarantine measures are not required. Treatment should begin at the first signs of general malaise. The patient is prescribed bed rest, drinking large quantities of fluids, and taking antiviral drugs. Only if complications occur (otitis, sore throat, pneumonia and others) can antibiotics be prescribed.

The disease can progress in the form of a second or third wave of rashes; this is a characteristic feature of erythema and is not an indicator of the severity of the patient’s condition. During illness, you should not take a hot bath or be in the sun; these factors provoke repeated rashes. Once the rash appears, the patient is not contagious and can lead a normal life without complications.

Patients with blood diseases and weakened immune systems and pregnant women are treated in a hospital setting. In this case, constant monitoring of blood counts, the process of hematopoiesis and other laboratory tests is necessary. Pregnant women are prescribed an additional ultrasound examination to monitor the condition of the fetus, as well as detailed blood tests. Treatment must be prescribed correctly and always in a timely manner.

Treatment of erythema infectiosum in children

“Lace rash” is localized in the neck, upper limbs, and on the torso and is a characteristic diagnostic sign. All measures for the treatment of erythema infectiosum in children are aimed at reducing the risk of complications. In the acute course of the disease, it is important for patients to have bed rest, take antipyretic and antimicrobial drugs, drink large amounts of fluid, and treat the skin with antiseptic solutions and ointments in areas of rashes.

Erythema infectiosum is a disease caused by paravirus B19. The pathology can affect people from different age categories, but children aged 4 to 11 years are more susceptible to it. In adults, erythema infectiosum occurs in extremely rare cases, but its course is more complex, especially in women aged 30–35 years. Also, this pathology is very dangerous during pregnancy. Infection of the mother can lead to miscarriage. Infection is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman between 10 and 26 weeks.

Erythema infectiosum is often referred to as the “fifth disease.” The reason is that some scientists consider it an “addition” to the known TORCH infections - simple, .

Causes

The reasons for the progression of the fifth disease have not yet been fully studied, but what is certain is that the disease develops due to the negative impact of the B19 paravirus on the body. Because of this, viral exanthems begin to form.

The infection spreads primarily through airborne droplets. It is worth noting that its contagiousness is not high. The virus can also enter the body during a blood transfusion (if the donor was infected). Infection of the fetus occurs transplacentally. Once a person has recovered from erythema infectiosum, they develop lifelong immunity.

Clinical forms of erythema infectiosum

  • erythema infectiosum of Rosenberg;
  • erythema infectiosum of Chamera;
  • sudden exanthema;
  • erythema nodosum;
  • exudative erythema multiforme;
  • undifferentiated erythema.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease directly depend on which particular form of fifth disease has begun to progress in a person. But it is worth noting that the symptoms are usually very pronounced, which causes significant discomfort to the patient. Treatment of pathology is best carried out only in a hospital setting under the close supervision of medical specialists, but treatment at home can also be carried out.

Erythema infectiosum of Rosenberg

This form of the disease is characterized by an acute onset. Severe fever appears and symptoms of intoxication increase. A spotted rash appears 4–6 days after the onset of pathology progression. The elements are localized on the buttocks and limbs. In these places they can form continuous erythematous fields. No rash elements appear on the skin of the face.

The rash completely disappears after 6 days. At the site where the lesions were localized, peeling is noted. Splenomegaly or hepatomegaly is sometimes noted. The fever lasts for 10–12 days. In rare clinical situations, patients experience joint swelling.

The incubation period for erythema infectiosum of Chamera lasts from 9 to 14 days. This form of the disease is relatively mild. Most often it is diagnosed in children from various age groups. There is no fever - temperature readings are within normal limits. Elements of the rash appear already on the first day of illness. With erythema infectiosum in children, the rash is localized on the skin of the face. Gradually, the individual elements begin to merge and form the shape of a butterfly.

As the pathology progresses, individual elements of the rash may turn pale (usually starting from the center). But this does not mean that the disease is going away. Exanthema remains on the skin for up to two weeks. New elements can arise due to hypothermia, overheating, and physical exertion. Sometimes children experience inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In adult patients, swelling appears in the joint area.

Erythema nodosum

The disease develops against the background of infectious pathologies that already exist in the human body. Most often it affects adults. The symptoms of the pathology are pronounced. Body temperature rises sharply, pain in large joints of the lower extremities increases.

The rash is located symmetrically in the area of ​​the forearms and legs. When palpated, dense nodular formations can be detected, the size of which does not exceed five centimeters. The skin above the nodule is discolored. At first it has a red tint, later it becomes cyanotic or greenish-yellow.

Polymorphic exudative form

Symptoms of intoxication are pronounced. The temperature rises to high numbers - 39–40 degrees. On days 4–6, a rash appears on the skin of the torso and limbs - spots or papules. Bubbles may also form, filled with exudate inside. They tend to open up on their own, forming erosion. Later it is covered with a brown crust.

Sudden exanthema

The latent period lasts up to five days. The onset of the disease is usually acute, with an increase in temperature to high numbers (up to 40 degrees). Symptoms of intoxication are moderate. The temperature returns to normal only on the 4th day. At the same time, elements of the rash appear, which are localized on the limbs, torso, and also on the skin of the face. The appearance of the elements is small spots of pale pink color. They tend to merge.

Undifferentiated form

This form of erythema is represented by a group of ailments of an infectious nature, the etiology of which is unknown or not fully understood. The disease is characterized by the appearance of fever. Symptoms of intoxication are not pronounced. A rash appears on the skin, which is not characteristic of any other infectious disease.

Diagnostics

The standard diagnostic plan for suspected erythema infectiosum includes:

  • analysis of the medical history, as well as patient complaints;
  • personal examination to identify the location of the rash, as well as assess the type of elements;
  • carrying out polymerase chain reaction - PCR;
  • linked immunosorbent assay;
  • undergoing consultations with specialized specialists - a dermatologist, an infectious disease specialist.

Treatment

Treatment of patients with this type of erythema is usually carried out at home. Mostly young children are hospitalized, as well as those people who have a severe course or have developed complications.

Specific treatment is usually not required, so the main therapy is aimed at eliminating the unpleasant symptoms of the disease:

  • antiallergic drugs;
  • if there is a fever, antipyretic medications are prescribed;
  • Painkillers are recommended to be taken if there is severe joint pain.

If the disease is severe, then the main course of treatment is supplemented with glucocorticosteroids. They are also used if the patient has severe somatic diseases, as well as immunodeficiencies.


Description:

Erythema infectiosum is a common childhood disease. Adults can get it too. Erythema infectiosum is also called fifth disease because the rash sometimes appears on the face. The disease is spread by sneezing and coughing.

People typically spread erythema infectiosum when they have symptoms resembling erythema and before the rash appears. People who suffer from erythema infectiosum and certain blood problems or weak immune systems may take longer to spread the disease.


Causes of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease):

Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus B19 virus.


Symptoms of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease):

Early symptoms of erythema infectiosum are flu-like. After a few days, a rash will appear and some will experience joint pain. The development of erythema infectiosum may be confused with other diseases that exhibit similar symptoms.

Flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of erythema infectiosum develop 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Typically, the initial symptoms resemble the development of the flu and may be so minor that no one will notice them. Some people with erythema infectiosum have no symptoms at all. Initially, the following symptoms may appear:
Runny nose and sore throat.
Headaches and abdominal pain.
In rare cases, a slight fever may occur.
Body weakness and joint pain.

Rash.
A rash may appear about 7 days after flu-like symptoms appear, although adults do not develop the rash as often as children. Some people do not develop a rash at all.

When a rash appears, it usually follows a predictable pattern, going through two or three stages of development:
A bright red rash appears on the cheeks (often the cheeks look as if they have been beaten), and sometimes the rash appears on the forehead and chin. This rash usually goes away within 2 to 5 days.
The rash may appear on the neck, torso, forearm, upper knee, and buttocks. The rash begins as round red spots and then grows to resemble lace. The rash may be itchy, especially in older children. The second stage lasts a week or less.
After the rash on the body disappears, it may reappear due to exposure to sunlight, high temperatures, or stressful situations. This rash usually remains for 1 to 3 weeks. Even if the rash reappears, this does not mean that your condition is getting worse.

Joint pain.
Joint pain in the arms, wrists, ankles and legs is common in adults, especially women. The pain usually lasts from 1 to 3 weeks, although in rare cases the pain may last longer. Typically, erythema infectiosum does not cause permanent joint damage.


Complications:

In fifth disease, the body stops producing red blood cells for a short period. This usually does not cause significant problems in a healthy child or adult. However, the disease can pose a significant risk to people with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia. Such people may develop a temporary aplastic crisis, which consists of a worsening of the existing one and can last from 7 to 10 days. People suffering from temporary aplastic anemia may experience a significant deterioration in their health; Symptoms such as fever, apathy, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing may appear.

People with weak immune systems who get fifth disease may develop chronic parvovirus B19, which can lead to more severe anemia.


Treatment of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease):

For treatment the following is prescribed:


For normal healthy people, normal home treatment (including rest, fluids, and pain medications) is sufficient for erythema infectiosum. The reappearance of the rash does not mean that the disease has progressed or that the condition has worsened. Often the rash can reappear due to exposure to sunlight, high temperatures or stressful situations.

Antibiotics are not used to treat erythema infectiosum because the disease is caused by a virus, not a bacterium.

Treatment for people at increased risk.
However, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or blood problems, such as sickle cell disease or , are at increased risk of developing complications from fifth disease. Such people need to be under the supervision of specialists, and in case of contact with a sick person, they should see a doctor. Sometimes, hospitalization may be necessary to eliminate complications.

If you are pregnant and have been exposed to the virus that causes fifth disease, your doctor may recommend a blood test to see if you have become infected or have developed immunity. If you have been infected, your doctor may recommend frequent fetal sound testing throughout your pregnancy.

Preventing the spread of erythema infectiosum.
By the time the rash appears, you will no longer be a carrier of the disease. Once a child develops a rash, he or she can return to school or daycare.

People who get erythema infectiosum, including those who develop complications, should take precautions to stop the spread of the virus. You should wash your hands frequently. If people with erythema infectiosum are hospitalized, they may be isolated from other patients.

A vaccine against parvovirus B19 is currently being tested and may become available in the very near future.

Treatment for complications from erythema infectiosum.
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or blood problems such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia are at increased risk of developing complications from fifth disease.

Treatment for people who have or have a weakened immune system.

People who have blood disorders that cause anemia (such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia) may need a blood transfusion if the condition gets worse rapidly (short-term aplastic anemia). To prevent the development of chronic parvovirus B19 infection and profound anemia, people with weakened immune systems may be given immunoglobulin intravenously.


Infectious erythema (EI) is a group of diseases presumably of a viral or bacterial nature with approximately the same symptoms and with an as yet unclear pathogenesis. They occur with the appearance of large-scale rashes that merge into red fields and the development of general intoxication. Initially, these ailments were considered as separate diseases, but over time, experts began to evaluate them as varieties of one disease.

What are the different forms of erythema infectiosum? How do they manifest themselves? How does infection occur? After what diagnostic tests does the doctor prescribe treatment and what are the principles of therapy?

Types of infectious erythema

The causative agent of erythema infectiosum is parvovirus.

Experts identify the following forms of the disease discussed in this article:

  • EI Rosenberg;
  • EI Chamera;
  • sudden exanthema;
  • undifferentiated erythema (according to Ivanov A.I.).

Each variety has characteristics in the characteristics of the rash and the course of the disease. In some cases, one form can transform into another.

Why it occurs and how it develops

So far, scientists have not been able to identify the causative agents of such forms of infectious erythema as sudden exanthema, infectious erythema of Chamer and Rosenberg. According to experts, most likely these diseases are provoked by a virus from the group of parvoviruses.

  • Erythema nodosum, in fact, is a symptom of certain infections (for example, rheumatism, pseudotuberculosis, etc.), which are accompanied by severe allergization of the body.
  • Doctors associate the development of exudative erythema multiforme with taking a number of medications (for example, extended-release sulfonamides, salicylates, bromides, etc.).

In viral forms of EI, the pathogen can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person. The ways of its transmission are as follows:

  • airborne;
  • transplacental;
  • transfusion (with intravenous infusion of infected blood).

After entering the body, the virus primarily affects erythroid cells of the bone marrow, and during intrauterine infection, the pathogen penetrates the erythroblasts of the umbilical cord blood and fetal liver tissue. Such lesions can provoke the development of disorders of erythropoiesis (the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow), however, in most clinical cases, the picture of peripheral blood is not disturbed.

The full pathogenesis of infectious erythema has not yet been studied, and experts are still looking for an answer to the question of why elements of the rash appear in certain areas of the body and are accompanied by other symptoms. The clinical picture of the disease is most pronounced in those patients who have:

  • hypersensitivity reactions;
  • immunodeficiency states of various etiologies.

How does erythema infectiosum of Rosenberg occur?

This form of EI begins acutely and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • prolonged (for 8-12 days) and severe fever;
  • sleep disorders;
  • lethargy;
  • pain and discomfort in joints and muscles.

After 4-6 days, a maculopapular or macular rash appears on the patient’s body. It usually occurs on the inner surfaces of the arms and legs and is more concentrated on the surfaces of large joints and buttocks. In these areas, the rash appears as a continuous erythematous field. The patient's face is not affected. After 5-6 days, lamellar or pityriasis-like peeling appears at the site of the rash.

When examining some patients, the doctor may detect:

  • signs of joint swelling;
  • meningeal symptoms.

How does erythema infectiosum of Chamera occur?

After infection, 9-14 days pass before the first manifestations of the disease appear. Typically, this form of EI is observed in children and is mild.

Patients experience the following symptoms:

  • temperature rise to subfebrile levels (sometimes there is no fever);
  • the appearance of rashes from the first day of illness.

Initially, the rash with EI Chamera looks like small spots and appears on the skin of the face. Then they combine into a single spot, the shape of which resembles the outline of a butterfly. Some rashes may be located on the legs, arms, and torso. Over time, the rash begins to fade. Initially, this color change is observed in the center of the element.

With EI Chamera, the rash remains on the body for about 2 weeks. In a number of clinical cases, even after the elements have blanched, the rash appears in the same place again. This return of the disease can be caused by physical stress, overheating or increased body temperature.

Some patients with EI Chamera exhibit the following manifestations:

  • redness of the conjunctiva;
  • mild manifestations of inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract: sore throat, runny nose, etc.;
  • moderate pain and swelling of the joints (usually in adults).

How does erythema nodosum manifest?

This type of EI develops against the background of such infections:

  • tularemia;
  • rheumatism;
  • tuberculosis, etc.

The patient complains of fever, rash, myalgia and arthralgia in large joints.

The rashes are localized on symmetrical areas of the legs and forearms, but can sometimes be present on the face, sclera, feet, buttocks or thighs. They look like nodules that rise above the surface of the skin. The diameter of the rash elements is 3-5 cm. When palpated, their density and pain are felt, and infiltration is detected in the thickness of the skin.

The color of the erythema nodosum rash is usually red. Subsequently, the color changes to bluish, and when the infiltrate begins to resolve, the elements of the rash become brown, and then greenish-yellow. Nodes with this form of erythema are present for 3 weeks.


How does exudative erythema multiforme manifest?

This form of EI occurs with high fever and manifestations of intoxication syndrome. 4-6 days after the onset of the disease, a polymorphic and numerous rash (spots and papules) appears, located on the limbs and body. In some patients it may be symmetrical.

Erythema multiforme is characterized by the appearance of blisters filled with exudate. Subsequently, they open, and an ulcer forms on the skin, which over time becomes overgrown with a red crust. The rash causes the patient to feel itching and burning.

The most severe manifestation of erythema multiforme is. With this course of EI, erosive and ulcerative lesions appear on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, genitals and anus.

Polymorphic exudative erythema usually lasts 7-21 days, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome - 1.5 months or more. In severe cases of the disease, in some cases the disease leads to the death of the patient.

How does sudden exanthema manifest?


Sudden exanthema affects children aged 0 to 2 years and in most cases it remains unrecognized - high temperature is regarded as a symptom of acute respiratory viral infection, and a rash is considered an allergic reaction to drugs used to treat hyperthermia.

With this form of EI, manifestations of the disease occur 3-5 days after infection. The patient's temperature rises to 38-40 °C and moderately severe symptoms of intoxication appear. After 3-4 days, the fever goes away and an exanthema appears on the body, spreading:

  • on the face;
  • body frame;
  • arms and legs.

The rashes are spots up to 5 mm with a pale pink color. In some patients, the elements merge and become similar to the rash that occurs with rubella or measles (but not such an intense color). After 2-3 days, the rashes disappear without any signs of pigmentation or peeling.

In case of doubtful cases, ELISA and PCR methods may be included in the diagnostic plan. The detection of a high level of IgG to the virus in the blood in the absence of IgM indicates the fact that the patient has previously suffered from EI.

Typically, laboratory examination methods are used to exclude other infections, since specific methods for identifying EI do not yet exist.

Treatment

Hospitalization for erythema infectiosum, which is mild and uncomplicated by the patient's medical history, is usually not required. In severe cases, the patient is recommended to undergo hospital treatment.

The treatment tactics for infectious exanthema depend on the severity of the disease:

  • For mild cases of the disease, the patient is prescribed antipyretic drugs and the use of local antipruritic drugs.
  • If a patient has erythema nodosum, desensitizing agents may be included in the treatment plan. In addition, if necessary, the doctor stops taking sulfonamide and other drugs that were prescribed for the treatment of a previously present infectious disease. In case of erythema nodosum, treatment of the underlying disease is mandatory.
  • If EI (Rosenberg or multimorphic) occurs in a severe form, then the patient is recommended to take glucocorticosteroids. The dose of prednisolone or other corticosteroid drugs is gradually reduced, and the duration of their use is usually 1-2 weeks.

Forecast


Treatment is predominantly symptomatic. It includes taking antipyretic, antipruritic (antihistamines) or anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoids) drugs.

Erythema infectiosum in adults usually has a good prognosis and rarely leads to complications.

Erythema infectiosum refers to a childhood disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It manifests itself as partial or complete redness of the child’s skin and is accompanied by fever. In everyday life it is called pseudorubella, spanked cheek disease or the 5th childhood disease. The disease rarely occurs in adults; it is mainly diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 12 years.

Causes of erythema and its symptoms

The exact causative agent of the disease has not been identified to date. The disease is classified as viral and can arise against the background of allergies, pseudotuberculosis, rheumatism, etc. Physiological reasons also have an influence:

  • expansion of capillaries;
  • outdoor games;
  • massage;
  • burns;
  • skin squeezing or blow;
  • diseases of internal organs.

Symptoms are different and depend on the age of the child, existing pathologies at the time of the inflammatory process, and problems with blood circulation. Based on external indicators, erythema is often confused with rubella, measles or scarlet fever.

The main distinguishing feature of erythema infectiosum is its similarity to a viral disease (cold, flu); fever, flushing of the skin of the cheeks and a rash on the body are manifested. After direct exposure to the virus on the child’s body, the following symptoms appear two days later:

  • sudden temperature rises up to 39°C, chills;
  • pain in the head and abdomen;
  • joint pain;
  • general malaise;
  • decreased appetite;
  • runny nose and sore throat;
  • red rash.

How does the rash occur?

The rash usually covers the skin on the 5th day of illness; it is quite abundant, mostly spotty, and on the extremities the shape is more like lace. The elements of the rash gradually turn pale and then disappear. Does not leave external defects on the skin in the form of scars and altered pigmentation. It is of a specific nature and has several stages.

At first, the cheeks become bright red and looking at the child you might think that he was whipped on the cheeks. Sometimes the rash affects the area of ​​the chin and forehead, but it lasts only a couple of days and then disappears.

In the next stage, the rash covers the torso, shoulders, neck, knees and buttocks. All this appears in the form of red spots. The rash on the body can last up to a week, and is accompanied by severe itching.

After it disappears, peeling forms. In the near future after the lesions disappear, skin contact with chemicals, direct exposure of the child to the sun, any physical activity, excitement and stress should be avoided. This may cause the rash to reappear in the same places. The mucous membrane of the mouth may also be affected.

The incubation period lasts 5-14 days, in rare cases it can last up to 28 days.

Erythema infectiosum can develop in various forms:

  • the typical form is characterized by focal damage with a rash, lethargy, and fever;
  • atypical development of the disease is accompanied by swelling of the joints of the arms and legs;
  • the hepatitis form is determined by an enlarged liver, noticeable yellowness of the eyes and skin, pain in the right hypochondrium;
  • There is also an asymptomatic development of the disease until it somehow manifests itself.

Main types of erythema infectiosum

  1. Knotty. Usually indicates the presence of streptococcus. Characteristic are nodular formations on the skin, mainly on the legs.
  2. Multiform. The rash occurs in large quantities and can take on various forms. Fever, headache and weakness.
  3. Migratory. The symptoms are similar to Lyme disease. Occurs after an insect bite, such as a tick. After swelling, a red spot appears at the site of the bite and over time expands to 15 cm in diameter.
  4. Sudden exanthema. Most common in children aged 6-24 months. After the first fever, a rash appears immediately and lasts no more than 6 days. Triggered by the herpes virus.
  5. Infectious erythema of Chamer and Rosenberg. Expressed in a feverish state, intoxication, multiple spots on the body.

How to correctly diagnose the disease

Due to the difficulty of clinical diagnosis, its presence is initially suspected by the presence of a “lace”-shaped rash. To be convinced of erythema infectiosum, you will need a number of laboratory tests: a blood test to determine the number of leukocytes and platelets, an examination to determine the presence of the necessary antibodies to a viral disease, and detection of viral DNA. The subsequent result will enable the specialist to prescribe effective therapy.

Is erythema infectiosum contagious?

The disease itself is caused by paravirus B19. It is believed that the route of infection is airborne, but unlike other viral diseases, there is no presence of the pathogen in the nasopharynx. Erythema virus is not excreted in urine or feces. When the rash stage occurs, the patient becomes non-infectious and no quarantine measures are necessary.

What are the dangers of complications of the disease?

The likelihood of various complications after erythema infectiosum is not high, but it does exist. During the course of the disease, red blood cell synthesis may stop. If the child does not have problems with hematopoiesis, then the complication will not cause significant problems. But if there are disturbances in the blood system, the patient is at high risk of even greater complications with blood function. Aplastic crisis may occur up to 10 days.

If the patient already suffers from aplastic anemia, then he experiences an exacerbation. In such cases, erythema infectiosum will be accompanied by frequent attacks of fever, rapid heartbeat, and apathy.

A child suffering from immunodeficiency may well develop a chronic form of the disease, which in the future will lead to the development of pathological damage to hematopoiesis and a persistent form of anemia. The condition is completely reversible, but theoretically can lead to death.

Treatment of erythema infectiosum

The recovery process primarily involves home treatment. The principle of action is similar to methods of treating viral diseases:

  • bed rest
  • increasing fluid intake
  • strict restrictions on bathing and sun exposure
  • antiviral drugs

Long walking, heavy lifting and hypothermia should be avoided. To eliminate symptoms, antihistamines, antipyretics, antiallergics, analgesics for severe pain, peripheral hemokinators, and iodide alkalis may be prescribed. Antibiotics can be prescribed only if erythema is accompanied by tonsillitis, pneumonia, otitis media or other microbial complications.

Treatment of erythema infectiosum can be carried out in an outpatient hospital setting, especially with weakened immunity, blood diseases and during pregnancy. Infection during pregnancy is very dangerous due to the possibility of infecting the fetus, which sometimes leads to spontaneous abortion.

Severe disease is the basis for initiating corticosteroid therapy. It does not have a narrowly targeted effect on the paravirus, but can have a strong effect on the functioning of the immune system.

After the end of the disease, a person acquires lifelong immunity to erythema infectiosum and will never get sick with it again.

Preventive actions

It is easy to become infected with this viral infection from a carrier, since the disease can be asymptomatic. It is impossible to recognize these people, and therefore there is no specific prevention against erythema infectiosum. But there is an opportunity to reduce the risk of getting it.

  • Avoid close contact with people who have cold symptoms such as runny nose and cough
  • avoid crowds of people
  • do not use other people's handkerchiefs, cutlery and other personal items
  • wash your hands after going outside
  • Strengthen your immune system with healthy eating and walking
  • toughen up and play sports

Serious measures to prevent infection have not been developed. Self-medication is inappropriate, since most symptoms are very similar to infectious and dermatological diseases. If you experience persistent symptoms similar to erythema infectiosum, you should consult a physician or dermatologist.