Child Health A-Z

Viral Skin Infections

Many viral infections in childhood are called "viral exanthems." Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption. Common childhood viral exanthems include the following:

measles or rubeola
rubella
varicella (or chickenpox)
fifth disease
roseola

Immunizations have decreased the number of cases of measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The above viral exanthems have distinct patterns of rashes which aid in the clinical diagnosis of the virus.

Three main groups of viruses cause the majority of viral skin infections, including the following:

human papillomavirus
herpes simplex virus
poxvirus

Viral skin infections require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding viral skin infections, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Last Update
September 4, 2008