What are Erythematous Papules, Know its Viral Causes, Treatment

A papule is the name given to a raised rash or lesion found on the surface of the body the diameter of which is less a centimeter. An Erythematous Papule is a lesion which is red in color, may resemble an elevated lesion or rash filled with blood. These rashes typically are caused due to infection which affects the surface of the skin. The infections causing Erythematous Papule can be both viral as well as bacterial. The redness of the rash is due to inflammation. Depending on the infection causing the erythematous papules, they may be localized to a certain area or may be spread all across the body.

Erythematous Papules may be acute, subacute or chronic. An acute erythematous papule may last for a period of a month whereas the subacute ones may last for just over a couple of months. Any erythematous papule lasting for more than two months is termed as chronic erythematous papule. In this article, we will give a brief overview of Erythematous Papules Caused by Viral Infections. Children are more susceptible to Erythematous Papules Caused by Viral Infections.

Erythematous Papules Caused Due to Rubeola Infection: Commonly known as measles is a viral infection which is quite common in children. This infection is caused by Rubeola virus and grows in the cells lining the throat and the lungs. It is a very contagious disease and grows very rapidly through air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Along with the Erythematous Papules other symptoms of this condition include persistent coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and may also be associated with fever. If left untreated this condition may become life threatening due to its complications which include pneumonia and encephalitis. The Erythematous Papules due to measles begins from behind the ears and rapidly spreads to cover the trunk and the extremities. The Erythematous Papules Caused by Rubella virus lasts for a total of a week in duration.

Roseola Infection: This is yet another viral infection that causes Erythematous Papules or rashes. This disease affects infants between the ages of 6 months to 2 years. This infection begins with high grade fever and as the fever recedes there is development of Erythematous Papules. These papules begin at the trunk of the baby and then spread to neck, face, arms, and legs. This infection is also highly contagious and spreads through air by coughing and sneezing and hence infants and more predisposed especially if they are in a day care environment to get this infection.

Parvovirus B19 Infection: This is another viral infection that causes Erythematous Papules. This infection is caused by the Parvovirus that affects mostly children and its main characteristics are Erythematous Papules which generalized throughout the body. The children between the ages of 3 and 12 are most at risk for getting this infection Erythematous Papules

Infectious Mononucleosis: This is also a type of viral infection which causes Erythematous Papules. This conditions which is also commonly referred to as Mono is caused by Epstein Barr Virus and usually occurs in teenagers, although an individual of any age can get this condition. This virus is spread mainly through saliva. Hence if an individual somehow comes in contact with the saliva of an infected person then there are high chances that the individual may end up getting Infectious Mononucleosis. The Erythematous Papules caused by this viral infection is generalized and spread all across the body.

Shingles: This is one of the most common viral infection causing Erythematous Papules. This infection is caused by varicella zoster virus. The rashes caused by herpes zoster may cause pain and discomfort and are spread all across the body. It takes usually about two to three weeks for the erythematous papules caused by herpes zoster to clear up.

The front line treatment for Erythematous Papules Caused by Viral Infections is by using antivirals. Antibiotics are of no use in such cases as the virus does not get affected by antibiotics. In most of the cases the papules go away on their own in some time but an antiviral may speed up the process of healing from the infection and hence treatment is largely symptomatic. Medications may be given for some of the other symptoms for infection.

If the rash gets itchy then an anti-itch cream may be given for relief. Apart from this, the parents of the infected child or if the patient is an adult are advised about proper hygiene and to stay away from people who have frequent coughing or sneezing episodes. This is especially important for those parents who send their children to daycare and other facilities where contracting a viral infection is very easy. Topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines may also be given for discomfort caused due to Erythematous Papules Caused by Viral Infections.

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