Acute exanthems in children. Clues to differential diagnosis of viral disease.

The numerous viral skin diseases that affect children present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Most of these diseases may be conveniently grouped according to the clinical appearance of the exanthem as maculopapular, petechial, papular, or vesicular. In some situations, viral infection may be difficult to differentiate clinically from nonviral disease; thus, extensive laboratory evaluation is sometimes necessary to pinpoint the virus involved. Nonviral disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with skin eruptions, especially of the maculopapular type. Common nonviral causes include Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and drug reactions.