Rapid-onset rash in child
Our patient’s pruritic rash was spreading throughout his trunk and arms. An acute infection 10 days earlier shed light on the diagnosis.
A 7-year-old boy was brought to his family physician for evaluation of a mildly pruritic spreading rash. Ten days earlier, the skin eruption had appeared, and he was given a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis, which was confirmed by a throat swab and a positive antistreptolysin O titer. The child had no personal or family history of skin disorders, including eczema or psoriasis. He hadn’t used any topical agents or new medications recently, nor had he been exposed to triggering plants, animals, or chemicals. There was no history of trauma, friction, or rubbing in the area.
Physical examination revealed multiple erythematous, scaly papules and plaques of varying size on the patient’s trunk, arms, and legs (FIGURE). His palms and soles were spared.
