eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Viral Infections

Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease): Differential Diagnoses & Workup

Author: Glenn L Zellman, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Tamarac, Florida
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Dec 8, 2009

Differential Diagnoses

Drug Eruptions
Measles, Rubeola
Roseola Infantum
Rubella
Scarlet Fever

Other Problems to Be Considered

In adult patients with acute arthropathy and rash, consider the following:

Acute rheumatic fever
Allergic-hypersensitivity reaction
Classic viral exanthems
Disseminated gonococcal infection
Epstein-Barr virus
Hepatitis
Lyme disease
Rheumatologic disorders

Workup

Laboratory Studies

The diagnosis of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) usually is based on clinical presentation alone, and a workup for patients with the classic presentation is not necessary. For patients with other PV-B19–associated signs or symptoms, or for exposure in a woman who is pregnant, confirmation of infection may be helpful and can be accomplished with the following specialized tests10,11 :

  • IgM assays (enzyme-linked immunoassay, radioimmunoassay)
  • Dot blot hybridization
  • Polymerase chain reaction
  • Loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Histologic Findings

Skin biopsy is not necessary or does not aid in diagnosis but may reveal nonspecific changes, including mild basilar vacuolarization, dyskeratotic cells, and a sparse perivascular infiltrate.

More on Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)

Overview: Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Treatment & Medication: Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Follow-up: Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Multimedia: Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

erythema infectiosum, fifth disease, slapped-cheek disease, academy rash, Sticker's disease, Sticker disease, childhood exanthem, Parvovirus B19, PV-B19, PV-B19 infection, Parvoviridae family, acute arthropathy, acute polyarthropathy, coryza, pharyngitis, arthralgias, malar rash

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Glenn L Zellman, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Tamarac, Florida
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Bernice R Krafchik, MBChB, FRCPC, Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Dermatology, University of Toronto
Bernice R Krafchik, MBChB, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, Canadian Medical Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Society for Pediatric Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Richard P Vinson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA
Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Van Perry, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center
Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Catherine M Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania
Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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