ABSTRACT
Viral illnesses in childhood are often accompanied by widespread erythematous macular or maculopapular rashes. It is important to distinguish these from petechial or purpuric rashes which do not blanch when compressed (see related topic Purpura and bruising, p. 330). Other common causes of skin rashes in childhood include impetigo, molluscum contagiosum, atopic eczema and allergic reactions (food allergy, drug reactions). Rashes in the nappy area are usually due to ammoniacal dermatitis, candidal infection or seborrheic dermatitis.
