Viral exanthems in childhood--infectious (direct) exanthems. Part 1: Classic exanthems.

Exanthems during childhood occur quite often and are mostly harmless in nature. Among different trigger factors, viruses are of prime importance. Viral exanthems may manifest as a macular, maculopapular, papular, urticarial or vesicular rash. Exanthems with other causes (bacterial toxins, drugs, autoimmune diseases) as well as those with unclear etiology such as unilateral lat-erothoracic exanthem or Kawasaki disease must be differentiated from viral exanthems. This review focuses on the classic viral exanthems.