Rubella rash

definition

The classic childhood disease "rubella" is caused by the rubella virus and leads to a typical skin rash, which is also known as rubella rash. Only around 50% of those infected show symptoms. Rubella rash appears a few days after symptoms such as runny nose, headache and body aches and a slight increase in temperature of up to 38 ° C occur. The rash is called maculopapupular denotes, which means that both small flat spots, macula, and raised skin appearances, papules, can be found. It is fine to medium spotted and red. The rash begins on the head behind the ears and then spreads to the trunk and limbs, and appears to be thickest in the region of the head and neck and neck.

Read more on this topic at: Rash on the forehead

The rubella rash usually disappears after about 3 days and heals without any consequences for the skin. To protect children from the disease, parents can also have them vaccinated against it.

Read more on the subject at: Vaccination against rubella

But rubella is not the only thing that causes a rash, other diseases are also possible. An important one are e.g. measles.

causes

The cause of the rubella is that Rubella virus. This virus is only used by Person to person transfer. It can also be used during a pregnancy can be passed from mother to unborn child. Otherwise the transfer takes place via a Droplet infection, which means that the virus is transmitted via small droplets of secretion from the human airways, for example when sneezing, talking or coughing. Affected are up to 7 days before and 7 days after occurrence of the rubella rash contagious! The rash itself arises as one Immune system reaction on components of the virus.

A rash in children can of course also have many other causes.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of rubella is usually made as a clinical diagnosis. That means that from the physical exam and asking the Symptoms the diagnosis can be made. In contrast to this, other teething problems such as the Rubella, measles or three-day fever be considered. However, these will show up as different symptoms, as well as a different appearance of the rash.

There is a rubella in the blood count Decrease in white blood cells to see. If the clinical diagnosis is not entirely clear, a Pathogen detection respectively.

Concomitant symptoms

A so-called is typical Prodromal stage, so to speak a preliminary stage of the disease before the rubella rash occurs. The prodromal stage consists of symptoms such as Cough, runny nose and sore throat. In addition, step Headache and body aches on.

The general well-being is usually not particularly restricted. An easy one Temperature increase up to 38 ° C is also typical. The lymph nodes in the neck and neck may be enlarged but are painless. In about 50% of those affected, the spleen is also enlarged.

Therapy of the rash

Because the rubella are caused by a virus Antibiotics ineffective. However, antiviral drugs against rubella virus also do not exist, which is why the therapy purely symptomatic he follows. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory painkillers are used.

There is also no special therapy for the rash, but there is unnecessary. The rash disappears after about 3 days and heals without consequences. This is an immune response from the body. Any Creams or ointmentsthat promise to clear the rash faster are ineffective and should not applied become. Home remedies or the like cannot get rid of the rash either. You have to imagine this as a systemic reaction, i.e. something that comes from inside the body. This disappears as soon as the body's immune system has fought the viral disease.

Duration of the rash

The rubella rash resolves very quickly. The duration can vary slightly from patient to patient, but it is deceiving about 3 days on average. The accompanying symptoms can be present for up to 7 days, and joint pain can persist for a few weeks after the rash has healed.

Difference between children and adults

The rubella rash does not depend on whether it is a child or an adult. The typical rubella rash shows in both children and adults same look. Slight variations are of course possible from patient to patient. However, it is usually a fine to medium-spotted, reddish rash that starts behind the ears and head and then spreads to the trunk and limbs.