Throughout life, people are exposed to all kinds of viruses and bacteria. Some of them can cause serious, and sometimes very dangerous diseases, most of which are characterized by the appearance of a rash. Mononucleosis is considered one of these diseases. What is its causative agent and what rash with mononucleosis occurs in children and adults, we will consider in the article.
Definition
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Most susceptible to children under 10 years. The incubation period depends on the state of the immune system and individual characteristics of a person. Signs of the disease may appear on the 5th day after infection, but sometimes the incubation period is extended for up to two weeks. The virus greatly weakens the immune system, so often during the illness additional pathological conditions occur.
Infectious mononucleosis has two forms of development.
- Acute, which is characterized by severe symptoms. In the absence of timely treatment, it can lead to serious complications.
- Chronic. The most common form of the disease. Symptoms are almost completely absent, but the person is a virus carrier and remains contagious. Under the influence of reduced immunity, some signs of the disease may appear.
A large number of people are carriers of this virus, without even knowing about it, because many cases of infection pass in a chronic form, without manifesting characteristic symptoms. In some cases, the appearance of signs that many confuse with SARS is possible.
The virus, getting on the mucous membranes, affects the cells of the immune system, starting to actively proliferate in them. These cells then spread the virus throughout the body, settling in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and tonsils, causing inflammation and, as a consequence, an increase.
The virus dies quickly enough in an open environment, so infection is possible only with close contact.
Infection methods
The virus can be transmitted in the following ways:
- contact: for example, through saliva;
- vertical: during pregnancy from a woman who is a carrier - to the fetus;
- airborne droplets during blood transfusion.
Symptomatology
If the disease proceeds in an acute form, the first signs are easily confused with SARS. As mononucleosis develops, the following symptoms appear:
- fatigue
- irritability;
- weakness;
- sleep disturbance;
- swelling;
- prolonged temperature increase to high rates;
- chills;
- pain in the abdomen;
- dark urine;
- pain in the liver;
- swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, despite this, they remain painless;
- nausea, vomiting, stool disorders;
- nasal congestion;
- enlarged liver and spleen;
- sore throat, accompanied by a raid (can be confused with tonsillitis);
- rash.
Rash features
A rash with mononucleosis is its characteristic feature. It occurs, as a rule, on the 3-12th day of the disease. A feature of the rashes in this case is the absence of itching and burning. A rash with infectious mononucleosis does not have a specific location and can spread throughout the body, but most often affects the limbs, face, neck, back and stomach. In more advanced cases, it may appear in the sky in the mouth. Rashes are spots with a diameter of up to 1 centimeter, which can be of the following types:
- hemorrhagic;
- in the form of papules;
- blisters;
- roseola.
Also, rashes can have the following features:
- irregular shape;
- do not itch;
- may be exudative in nature;
- pale pink or red;
- mainly localized on the face.
They do not leave behind peeling and no trace. Often, a rash with mononucleosis is confused with manifestations of other infectious diseases, therefore, diagnostic measures are carried out to clarify the diagnosis.
The number of rashes depends on the state of human immunity and the timeliness of treatment. In most cases, the rash after mononucleosis disappears along with other manifestations of the disease in a few days, without leaving any traces. But it happens that this symptom of the disease remains for a long time.
Below is a photo of a rash with mononucleosis in children.
Rash as a reaction to taking antibiotics
Despite the fact that it was not possible to establish a specific relationship, there is an opinion that the occurrence of a rash with mononucleosis is influenced by the use of antibacterial drugs. They are prescribed for the treatment of concomitant diseases in case of complications or with an incorrect diagnosis. In this case, an itchy, flaky rash occurs, the elements of which in severe cases are combined, covering vast areas of the body. Itching is not recommended, as deep scars may remain.
But many experts do not support the theory that antibacterial drugs cause allergic reactions.
Diagnostics
Since a rash indicating mononucleosis does not always appear, and many signs can easily be confused with the manifestations of other diseases, a complex of diagnostic measures is prescribed to establish an accurate diagnosis. These include the following.
- Blood analysis. The presence of the Epstein-Barr virus will be indicated by increased values of leukocytes and lymphocytes, and the presence of atypical mononuclear cells is also observed.
- Blood chemistry. Mononucleosis has a negative effect on the liver, therefore, with this disease, an increase in bilirubin and liver fractions is observed.
- PCR diagnostics. For research, saliva or secretions from the throat and nose are used.
- Ultrasound examination of the liver and spleen for their increase.
- Identification of antibodies to the virus.
In the chronic stage of the development of the disease, only a specific blood test can indicate infection.
Treatment
The choice of therapy depends on the symptoms that have arisen. The treatment for mononucleosis rash in adults and children will not be different. But in most cases, specific therapy is not required for this, since the rashes do not bring discomfort and disappear quickly enough. But if with mononucleosis the rash on the body is very itchy, antihistamines and antimicrobials can be prescribed to prevent infection when combing rashes. For severe rash, strong gels and ointments may be recommended, but this is rarely required.
The following categories of drugs may also be recommended.
- Antiviral drugs. For example, Isoprinosine, Acyclovir.
- Immunomodulators.
- Vitamin Therapy.
- Antibiotics for the treatment of concomitant diseases. If after taking a rash, you must consult a doctor who will change the drug.
- Cholagogue.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Antipyretic drugs for the treatment of symptomatic manifestations.
- In especially severe cases, hormonal drugs are prescribed in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs.
- It is very important to follow the drinking regime and diet recommended for diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
With increased symptoms, the appearance of pain in the side or the spread of a rash, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, because with mononucleosis there is a risk of developing dangerous complications.
Preventative measures
Prevention of mononucleosis will be compliance with basic hygiene rules. These include:
- personal hygiene;
- refusal to contact sick people;
- strengthening immunity;
- avoidance of the transition of diseases to the chronic phase;
- timely vaccinated: this will allow to transfer mononucleosis in a mild form;
- good nutrition;
- timely access to a doctor.
Complications
With untimely treatment or its absence, dangerous conditions can develop. These include:
- anemia;
- rupture of the spleen (this pathological condition requires immediate contact with a medical institution where surgical treatment will be performed);
- encephalitis;
- pathology of the respiratory system, for example pneumonia;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system - pericarditis, myocarditis;
- if an itchy rash is observed with infectious mononucleosis in children, an external infection may occur due to scratching and damage to the rashes.
Forecast
With timely treatment, the prognosis in most cases is positive. But due to the fact that often the disease does not have pronounced symptoms, therapy is delayed. This can contribute to the development of complications that require more in-depth treatment with antibacterial agents. Therefore, it is very important to be able to listen to your body or the body of your child. One symptom that indicates the development of mononucleosis is a characteristic rash. Knowing the features of its course will allow you to identify the disease in the early stages of development and begin timely therapy.
Conclusion
Infectious mononucleosis is a dangerous disease that affects children more. Timely vaccination and the implementation of preventive measures will reduce the risk of developing the disease or reduce the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms. The disease can occur in various forms, and characteristic symptoms are absent. Therefore, if you suspect infection, you must consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe diagnostic measures. The appearance of rashes can indicate both mononucleosis and the body's response to antibiotics. In this case, you need to pay attention to the nature of the rashes. With mononucleosis, itching and discomfort are absent. Timely vaccination will reduce the risk of infection or contribute to its mild form.