Comparison Table of Viral Exanthems

Comparison Table of Viral Exanthems

 Condition Incubation period  Prodrome Rash Other Dx features
 

Measles (Rubeola)

9-14 days Fever Cough, Conjunctivitis Rhinitis Maculopapular – face to extremities Koplik spots in mouth
 

 

Mumps (Parotitis)

12-25 days  

Pain/swelling in front of/below ear

 

 

Rubella

(German Measles)

14-21  None  

 Maculopapular – rapid spread from head to toe

 

Teratogenic, “Blueberry muffin baby”

 

 

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

 

 

10-21 days

 

 

Vesicular, erythematous rash on torso, then face and extremities

 

 

Dew drop on a rose petal

 

 

Roseola

(Roseola Infantum)

10-14 days Fever (3-4 days) Pink, macular rash  

Fever resolves then rash appears

 

 

Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease, Slapped Cheek)

 

 4-14 days

 

 None

 

Red facial rash “slapped cheek”, lacy pink macular rash on torso

 

 

Kawasaki Disease (Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome)

Unknown  Fever Adenopathy  Rash on trunk and extremities Red palms, soles Fever > 5days and 4 of the following:

  1. Conjunctivitis
  2. rash
  3. mucosal changes
  4. edema of hands/feet
  5. cervical adenopathy