Morbilliform rash
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "morbilliform rash"
Understanding Morbilliform Rash: Causes, Manifestations, and Clinical Implications
Introduction to Morbilliform Rash
A morbilliform rash, characterized by erythematous maculopapular lesions, is a common dermatological manifestation associated with various infections, medications, and systemic conditions. This article synthesizes research findings on the causes, clinical presentations, and implications of morbilliform rashes.
Viral Infections and Morbilliform Rash
Respiratory Viral Infections
Morbilliform rashes can appear during the terminal phase of viral respiratory infections. A study from December 1967 and January 1968 documented nine cases of girls developing morbilliform rashes at the end of their respiratory illnesses, with no accompanying fever or acute illness at the time of rash appearance .
COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, morbilliform rashes emerged as a notable skin manifestation. A case report described a 48-year-old patient with severe COVID-19 who developed a morbilliform rash on the trunk and arms, sparing the palms and soles, associated with itching. The rash appeared on the sixth day of illness, highlighting the importance of recognizing skin manifestations for early diagnosis, especially in resource-poor settings .
Chikungunya Fever
An outbreak of chikungunya in Central Italy in 2017 saw patients developing morbilliform rashes with prominent involvement of the palms. This highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the specific characteristics of chikungunya exanthem for accurate clinical diagnosis .
Drug-Induced Morbilliform Rash
Thalidomide
Thalidomide, used in treating multiple myeloma, can induce morbilliform rashes. A case study reported a patient who continued thalidomide treatment combined with methylprednisolone, which prevented the recurrence of the cutaneous drug reaction .
Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol, used in treating prostatic cancer, can cause morbilliform skin eruptions. A case described a patient developing a widespread erythematous maculopapular rash and urticaria, which resolved upon drug withdrawal .
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin-induced morbilliform rashes are thought to result from a delayed cell-mediated immune reaction. Immunohistological studies on skin biopsy specimens from patients with amoxicillin-induced rashes revealed significant involvement of adhesion molecules on endothelial and infiltrating cells, supporting the theory of a T-cell-mediated immune reaction .
Milnacipran
Milnacipran, an antidepressant, has been associated with morbilliform rashes and serotonin toxicity. A case report detailed a patient developing a full-body morbilliform rash and serotonin toxicity symptoms, which resolved after discontinuing the drug and initiating appropriate treatment .
Systemic Conditions and Morbilliform Rash
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma (AITL)
AITL, a rare but aggressive lymphoma, can present with morbilliform rashes that mimic viral or drug-induced eruptions. It is crucial to conduct a thorough workup for morbilliform rashes with systemic symptoms of unclear etiology to avoid delaying the diagnosis of underlying malignancies like AITL .
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
A case of mantle cell lymphoma presented with a diffuse morbilliform rash during an inpatient admission for bacterial pneumonia. Initially thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to antibiotics, a skin biopsy revealed metastatic cutaneous mantle cell lymphoma, underscoring the importance of considering systemic conditions in the differential diagnosis of morbilliform rashes .
Conclusion
Morbilliform rashes are a common dermatological presentation with diverse etiologies, including viral infections, drug reactions, and systemic conditions. Recognizing the specific characteristics and underlying causes of these rashes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and conduct thorough evaluations to identify the underlying etiology and provide appropriate treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic