Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

Which condition is commonly associated with erythema infectiosum in children?

1. Chickenpox

2. Hand, foot, and mouth disease

3. Fifth disease

4. German measles

The correct answer is: Fifth disease

Erythema infectiosum is commonly known as fifth disease, a viral infection that primarily affects children and is caused by parvovirus B19. It is characterized by a distinctive rash that typically starts with facial redness, giving the child a "slapped-cheek" appearance, followed by a lacy, reticular rash on the limbs and body. The association of erythema infectiosum with fifth disease is due to the fact that they are, in fact, the same condition. Understanding this connection is crucial in differentiating fifth disease from other childhood illnesses, which may present similarly but have different causative agents and implications for treatment. Recognizing fifth disease helps in making an accurate diagnosis and provides reassurance to parents, as it is generally a self-limiting condition.