Fifth disease causes a rash on the cheeks and a more widespread rash that typically involves the trunk and arms. This image displays widespread flat and raised skin lesions that are red or pink in color typical of viral skin rashes. Viral exanthem is the term for the red bumps and flat lesions seen in many viral infections. This image displays broad pink areas as well as numerous scattered pink bumps, one of many different appearances typical of viral exanthems. This image displays viral exanthem affecting the face. This image displays a widespread and severe case of viral exanthem. In people with darker skin, inflammation from viral exanthem can appear as a deep red color. In people with very dark skin, the inflammation and redness of viral exanthem is more subtle, but the rash is easily seen and felt by the touch. Viral exanthems can have intense red, inflamed skin lesions.
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Viral Exanthem  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Viral Exanthem: Fifth disease causes a rash on the cheeks and a more widespread rash that typically involves the trunk and arms. Divider line
Fifth disease causes a rash on the cheeks and a more widespread rash that typically involves the trunk and arms.
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Overview
A viral exanthem is the general term for a rash caused by a virus. Many rashes can look similar, and it is often difficult to determine the exact cause of the rash. Other symptoms your child might have along with the rash may provide clues as to which virus is responsible for the rash. Many times the exact virus is not determined, but the illness is treated with supportive care, meaning that the symptoms are treated until they disappear. Viral exanthems generally appear red and blotchy and are present from head to toe.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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