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Viral Exanthems

»	What is the difference between an exanthem and an enanthem?
»	Which viruses cause exanthems?
»	How do viruses cause exanthems?
»	Which viruses cause morbilliform (measles-like) eruptions?
»	Which viruses cause grouped blisters on a red base?
»	Which viruses cause hand, foot, and mouth disease?
»	What is the difference between Gianotti-Crosti syndrome and papular acrodermatitis of childhood?
»	Which are the most common viruses that cause papular acrodermatitis of childhood?
»	Which virus classically causes a lacy eruption?
»	Which viruses cause scarlatina (scarlet fever–like) eruptions?
»	Which virus causes purpura of the hands and feet?
»	Do viral exanthems cause petechiae?
»	Can viral exanthems be on one half of the body?
»	Which disorder most commonly mimics a viral morbilliform eruption?
»	What are the clinical features of roseola infantum (exanthem subitum, sixth disease)?
»	How does sunlight exposure affect a viral exanthem?
»	What is the STAR complex?
»	Which viruses cause the STAR complex?

How do viruses cause exanthems?

In the viral exanthems studied to date, the responsible virus is found within the skin, either in keratinocytes or endothelial cells. It is believed that the virus disseminates to skin during the viremic phase of infection, and the observed exanthem is the result of the host response to the virus.