Features

When assessing a child with a rash, record the child’s vital signs, as well as specific features of the childhood exanthem including:

• Distribution
  • Central or peripheral
  • Dermatomal
  • Extensor surfaces
  • Mucosal involvement
• Colour
• Size
• Blanching or non-blanching
• Palpability
• Presence of petechiae

It is important to remember that children who have different skin types (e.g. brown and black) will present with rashes that appear differently to those with white skin. The British Association of Dermatologists released a helpful guide to online resources for skins diseases and rashes in skin of colour.