- viral exanthems often have associated fever, malaise, sore throat and conjunctivitis; although drug reactions may have these features also
- viral exanthems happen more frequently in children; although adults can get them too
- a rash that develops within 3 days of a drug being initiated for an infection is more likely secondary to the infection because of the time required for hypersensitivity to develop in a patient not previously sensitized to a particular drug
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| Selected infections and Other Conditions that Often Include an Exanthem and Characteristics that Help Differentiate Them from an Exanthematous Drug Eruption. (click image to enlarge) |
Source
Stern, R. "Exanthematous Drug Eruptions" NEJM. 28 June 2012.