Unilateral laterothoracic exanthem in children: a new disease?

C Bodemer1, Y de Prost

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Hospital Necker Enfants malades, Paris, France.

Insights

This study describes a distinct laterothoracic exanthem in children, likely viral. The eruption is unilateral, evolves over two weeks, and resolves within four weeks with no long-term effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • 18 children presented with a similar laterothoracic exanthem.
  • This eruption appears to be a distinct clinical entity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the characteristic signs and clinical course of this eruption.
  • To analyze the epidemiology of this distinct exanthem.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical observation of the eruption's course in 18 children.
  • Detailed documentation of lesion characteristics and patient demographics.

Main Results:

  • The eruption occurred in a homogeneous age group (mean 23.3 months).
  • Initial presentation was unilateral, localized near the axilla, with eczematous or scarlatiniform lesions.
  • The eruption spread centrifugally over 8 days, becoming more widespread by days 10-15, predominantly on the initially affected side.
  • Lesions resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks, with an uneventful long-term course.

Conclusions:

  • The consistent presentation suggests a novel clinical entity.
  • Clinical features strongly indicate a viral etiology for this exanthem.
Abstract

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