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Common skin conditions
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For each of the ten cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately five minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
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What name(s) is (are) given to this condition?
Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum.
What is the specific cause?
Human parvovirus B19. A diagnostic serological test is available which is useful if the clinical presentation is atypical.
What are its complications?
Infected adults may develop arthritis. It may precipitate an aplastic crisis in haemoglobinopathies or leukaemia. Hydrops fetalis may occur in the offspring of infected pregnant women.
What treatment is indicated?
There is no specific treatment for Fifth Disease. The infection is usually mild and settles spontaneously in days to weeks. Children may go to school even if the rash is present.