How to Differentiate Between Infantile Exanthem and Heat Rash
Disease description:
I always thought the rash on my child was prickly heat, but after a hospital visit, the doctor diagnosed it as exanthem subitum. I would like to know how to distinguish between infantile exanthem and prickly heat?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
To differentiate between infantile exanthem and heat rash, consider the following aspects:
1. Different symptoms: Infantile exanthem is characterized by sudden high fever, with body temperature reaching 39-40°C. After the fever lasts for 3-5 days, the temperature drops rapidly, followed by the appearance of rose-colored maculopapular rash, mainly distributed on the trunk and limbs. In contrast, heat rash presents as pinpoint to pinhead-sized papules, papulovesicles, or vesicles, commonly occurring in skin folds and areas prone to sweating, such as the neck and armpits, and may be accompanied by itching.
2. Different causes: Infantile exanthem is caused by infection with human herpesvirus types 6 and 7, and is contagious. Heat rash, however, is primarily caused by high temperature and humidity, and impaired perspiration, and is unrelated to viral infection.
3. Seasonal occurrence and affected population: Infantile exanthem commonly occurs in spring and autumn, predominantly affecting infants and young children under 2 years of age. Heat rash is more common in summer, can affect individuals of all age groups, but is particularly prevalent among infants, young children, and overweight, perspiring individuals.
