Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease)
Overview
- Rubella (Rubella): The causative agent is the rubella virus. Symptoms are a flu-like prodrome and nuchal/retroauricular lymphadenopathy. The exanthem consists of pinhead-sized papules and spreads craniocaudally (face → trunk → extremities). An infection during pregnancy causes the Gregg's triad (malformation).
- Erythema infectiosum (Erythema infectiosum): The causative agent is Parvo B19. Typical are pruritus, cheek erythema with perioral pallor (slapped cheeks) and a garland-shaped generalized exanthem. Complications: aplastic crisis; during pregnancy, there is a risk of hydrops. Glove-and-sock syndrome is possible; lymphadenopathy is usually absent.
- Roseola infantum (Exanthema subitum): The causative agent is HHV-6 (HHV-7 only a rare trigger). The exanthem is transiently pink, spreads centrifugally (trunk → extremities) and usually spares the face. Lymphadenopathy is rare/subtle.
Differential diagnoses
- Measles
- Rubella
- Exanthema subitum (Dreitagefieber)
- Measles
- Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema)
- Urticaria
- Kawasaki syndrome
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Note: This page is intended for medical education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment decisions in individual cases. Treatment and follow-up content is available in the app.