Erythema Infectiosum
Erythema infectiosum (EI) is a fairly common childhood exanthem that typically features a prodromal phase of 3 to 5 days' duration consisting of low-grade fever, malaise, and pharyngitis followed 7 to 10 days later by a distinctive rash. It frequently is referred to as "fifth disease" because it was the fifth childhood exanthem described, the first four being measles, rubella, scarlet fever, and roseola infantum.
The rash of EI is often pruritic and classically appears first on the face with a red "slapped cheek" appearance and circumoral pallor. It frequently is followed by a symmetric, lace-like maculopapular rash on the extremities and trunk.
