The flat, reddish skin condition that contains macules and papules is called maculopapular rash. Let us go into the details of the causes, symptoms and treatment of this skin condition in the following article.
Skin rash is a commonly observed condition that changes the appearance, color and texture of the skin. One may observe rashes on a certain localized area of skin or all over the body. One may experience itchiness, change in color or dry, blistered skin that is warm to touch and painful after developing a rash. There are many types of skin rashes that may indicate certain diseases. One such is the maculopapular rash and we shall see more in detail regarding this skin condition in the following paragraphs.
What is Maculopapular Rash
It is a type of rash that is not raised above the surface of the skin. It contains macules, that is a discolored spot on the skin and papules that are small, solid bumps that cause inflammation of skin. They do not contain pus and are erythematous as they make the skin appear red.
Symptoms and Appearance
These appear like a heat rash on the body. They are red in color and may turn a bit purplish in the later stages. They lie flat on the skin and are not raised. They may be warm to touch and do not contain pus. The rashes generally appear on the trunk, face, palms, soles and other parts of the body as well.
Causes
There are many causes of the rashes containing macules and papules. Most of them occur due to a microbial infection. Let us have a quick look at the various infections that lead to these rashes.
Measles: The most common infection that leads to appearance of these rashes is measles. They develop after the patient suffers from high temperature (fever). They are red in color and then change to brown with time. After a few days, they disappear.
Scarlet Fever: This is another bacterial infection that leads to development of these rashes. The rash appears after 1 or 2 days of rise in fever. It will disappear after about 4 days and the affected skin begins to peel away.
Epstein-Barr Virus: These rashes are caused by infection with Epstein-Barr virus that leads to the development of painful blisters on skin.
Secondary Syphilis: One of the common signs of this chronic infection is ulcerous maculopapular rashes that is treated with penicillin.
Dengue and Chikungunya: These two mosquitoes transmitted viral diseases also lead to development of these rashes on the body.
HIV: This rash that appears in HIV patients occur due to the HIV-1 virus and is called an HIV rash.
Drug Allergy: Use of prescription drugs like Cefobid, amoxicillin, other antibiotic medications and chemotherapy drugs may lead to these skin rashes due to a chemical reaction or drug allergy.
Other Causes: This type of skin rash may appear in case of viral infections like erythrovirus, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Marburg hemorrhagic fever, etc. It may be seen in patients undergoing blood transfusion or suffering from heat rash.
Treatment Options
The treatment involves curing the underlying condition that leads to these skin lesions. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. Application of calamine lotion will also be helpful in reducing the discomfort due to these rashes. One is asked to drink plenty of fluids for two reasons: to avoid dehydration and for flushing out the microbial agents causing the infection.
The rash is seen as a result of different infections. These rashes usually disappear within a week or so as the infection runs its course. Hope the above information has helped you understand this skin condition better. You should speak to your doctor regarding these rashes and seek treatment accordingly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purpose only, and does not in any way attempt to replace the diagnosis of a doctor. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.
