BEYOND THE EXANTHEM: CLINICAL-DERMATOLOGIC CORRELATION IN PEDIATRIC SYSTEMIC SYNDROMES
Keywords:
Exanthem; Pediatrics; Cutaneous manifestations; Systemic diseases; Early diagnosis; AutoinflammatoryAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v8i16.0319
Abstract
Cutaneous manifestations in children can be the key to identifying underlying systemic immunological or infectious diseases. This review examines the relationship between dermatologic findings and various systemic syndromes in pediatrics, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach (pediatrics-dermatology) for early diagnosis. Methods: A systematic literature search (2015–2025) was conducted in indexed databases, focusing on pediatric studies and meta-analyses. Results: Predictive skin patterns of systemic disease are described, such as recurrent febrile rashes pointing to autoinflammatory syndromes, specific lesions (e.g., malar rash in lupus, Gottron papules in dermatomyositis) indicating rheumatologic diseases, and purpuric eruptions suggestive of systemic vasculitis. Classic infectious exanthems are reviewed and differentiated from immunologic processes. The findings highlight that thorough skin examination contributes significantly to early detection of systemic diseases in children, improving outcomes. Conclusions: An integrated dermatologic evaluation is recommended for any child with atypical or recurrent fever and rash, in order to promptly initiate targeted workup and therapy.
Keywords: Exanthem; Pediatrics; Cutaneous manifestations; Systemic diseases; Early diagnosis; Autoinflammatory.
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