Viral exanthema is a skin disease, which is the local response of human skin to the appearance of the pathogen.
The emergence of this disease, mostly affected by children, as the provocateur of exanthems are most often "childhood diseases" - measles, scarlet fever, rubella, chicken pox. In adults, viral exanthema can be caused by the same infections, but also by herpes, cytomegalovirus.
Symptoms of exanthema
The main symptom of exanthema is the presence of skin rashes. Its appearance depends on the viral pathogen and is divided into species.
Coripiform exanthema
It is named so because of its similarity to rashes during measles. These are single red spots with papules and blisters. Perhaps their grouping. Such a rash is typical when infected with viruses:
- rubella;
- roseola;
- measles ;
- enterovirus;
- infectious mononucleosis.
It begins with a manifestation on the face of the neck, gradually sinking to the body.
Lacy exanthema
Lace rashes are typical for diseases caused by parvovirus B19. Rashes appear on the face of small foci, which later merge into one. After 3-4 days, the rash appears on the body, mainly in the elbow and knee folds, also forming spots, the appearance of which, as it recovers, begins to take the form of lace.
Scarlatiniform exanthema
The rash is caused by:
- hepatitis B and C viruses;
- adenoviruses;
- enteroviruses.
It is localized mainly on the limbs - palms, feet.
Pemphigus
Bubble rashes are typical for herpes viruses and chicken pox.
Sudden exanthema
This type of exanthema provokes the herpes virus 6. It is characterized by a sharp onset with a high temperature, an increase in cervical lymph nodes, edema of the face and eyes, diarrhea. On the second day there is a bubble rash, after which the temperature begins to subside and recovery occurs on the 7-8th day. This disease affects children up to one year.
Other manifestations of rash
On the body parts, with a lowered temperature (ears, nose, fingers and toes, buttocks), there may be rashes caused by cytomegalovirus, coxavirus A16, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B.
Against the background of the main symptoms of the viral exanthema, fever can occur, which begin 1-2 days before the onset of the rash and disappear after its formation. With viral exanthema, there are often no catarrhal manifestations (nasal congestion, cough, lowering of general tone).
Treatment of viral exanthema
The term of the disease, as a rule, lasts from 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment of viral exanthema depends on the virus that caused the skin reaction. In almost all cases, external diagnostics of the rash is sufficient against the background of accompanying symptoms. In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a referral for a blood test or a material sampling by scraping.
The main treatment for viral exanthema is to alleviate the symptoms:
- With rubella, scarlet fever, measles, bed rest, antipyretic and antihistamines are prescribed.
- Chicken pox in children can be expressed only by the appearance of an itchy rash, for drying it uses a solution of manganese, zelenok. Possible the adoption of baths with the addition of a string. In adults, chicken pox runs quite heavily, and analgesics and antipyretic agents are prescribed.
- When herpetic rashes are prescribed Acyclovir in the form of ointment.
To support immunity, you can use traditional medicine. Beneficial effects of fruit drinks, decoctions and teas based on:
- cranberries, cowberries, viburnum;
- raspberry leaves , currants;
- rose hips;
- mint.
A bath with celandine, chamomile, calendula, fir or bran will help to remove the itch and soothe the skin.
It is advisable not to visit during the illness in the sun, t. this causes an increase in skin rash.