Rash-related childhood diseases are contagious illnesses in children that manifest with symptoms such as skin redness, spots, blisters, and are usually accompanied by complaints like fever, fatigue, loss of appetite. Most of these diseases are viral in origin and are common in childhood.
Measles
Measles: The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets. It is contagious from 1-2 days before the first symptoms appear until 7 days after. It particularly affects preschool and school-age children. The incubation period is 8-12 days. Patients should be isolated from the 7th day after contact until 5 days after the rash appears. After initial symptoms of fever and cold-like symptoms, the rash starts at the hairline, forehead, and neck, then spreads to the face, neck, trunk, arms, and legs. Fever is highest when the rash is most prominent. Cough is present at all stages. Fever subsides on the 3rd day of the rash. The most common complications are middle ear infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and as a late complication, a fatal permanent brain inflammation called SSPE. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. This disease, which had not been seen in our country for years due to successful vaccination programs, has unfortunately reappeared recently due to increased migration and anti-vaccination sentiments, resulting in deaths.
Rubella
Rubella: Characterized by mild fever, swelling of neck lymph nodes, and rash. The rash usually starts behind the ears, spreads to the face and quickly to the body. It fades starting from the face on the 2nd day. The incubation period is 14-21 days. Contagiousness begins 1-2 days before the rash and continues until 5-7 days after. Patients should be isolated for the first 7 days after the rash appears. Arthritis, encephalitis, and thrombocytopenia are the most common complications. However, the most feared complication is congenital rubella, which occurs when the mother contracts rubella infection in the first 8-12 weeks of pregnancy. Widespread vaccination is the most important preventive measure.
Erythema Infectiosum
Erythema Infectiosum: Caused by the Parvovirus B19. It’s common in school-age children. The incubation period is 4-14 days. It causes moderate fever and a red ‘slapped cheek’ rash on the face, with paleness around the mouth, spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs. The illness lasts 3-5 days. The patient is not contagious after the rash appears.
Roseola Infantum (Sixth Disease)
Roseola Infantum (Sixth Disease): Caused by Herpes virus Type 6. It affects children aged 6 months to 3 years. The incubation period is 9-10 days. The disease starts with very high fever, followed by widespread pink rashes as the fever rapidly drops. Eyelid swelling and lymph node enlargement occur. The rash is mostly on the trunk and fades within 24 hours.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox: Most commonly seen in ages 5-10. The incubation period is 13-22 days. It can be contagious from 2 days before the rash starts until all lesions have crusted over, approximately 7 days. The rash starts on the trunk and spreads to the head and face. The lesions are pimple-like and filled with fluid. It is a vaccine-preventable disease.
Mumps
Mumps: A common childhood disease characterized by painful swelling of the salivary glands and fever. Transmission occurs from 24 hours before the parotid gland swelling to 3 days after. The incubation period is 14-24 days. Most cases develop without showing symptoms. The most effective prevention is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) triple vaccine.
