Erythema infectiosum.
BACKGROUND
Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) is a common benign pediatric condition caused by B19 parvovirus. It can be identified clinically by a "slapped cheek" appearance that is often followed by reticulated exanthem on the trunk and extremities.


OBJECTIVE
This review article provides a concise overview of erythema infectiosum.


METHODS
The article is divided into the followings sections: background, epidemiologic characteristics, clinical description, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, prognosis, and management.


RESULTS
Erythema infectiosum is found to cause a fairly prominent classic rash and generalized symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Although erythema infectiosum has many distinctive symptoms, the prognosis is excellent because the condition in children is usually self-limited.
Vafaie
Janet
J
Department of Dermatology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103-2714, USA.
Schwartz
Robert A
RA
D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D016731:Erythema Infectiosum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans