Answers to Dermatophile

The answer is (F)—Erythema infectiosum (EI): EI is a rash caused by parvovirus B19, also known as The Fifth Disease.1 ,2 It is common in school-aged children, especially during winter and spring. The pathogenesis is still not fully understood.2 Infection is transmitted through the respiratory tract and symptoms such as headache, fever and myalgia end after 5 to 7 days with the production of anti-B19 immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies.1 ,2 The anti-B19 IgG appears during the third week of illness and coincides with the appearance of the rash and arthralgia.1 It presents as an asymptomatic infection in approximately 50% of cases.2 The most characteristic sign is known as ‘slapped cheek’, due to the fiery-red facial erythema occurring within 3 days of the onset of prodromal symptoms. Exposure to sunlight or heat worsens the rash. In the evolution of the condition, the patient develops an itchy and evanescent reticulate rash on the extremities and trunk. In some cases there are transient joint symptoms, mainly involving …