An exanthem is a widespread rash eruption occurring on the outside of the body, usually presents in children, the rash is typically associated with constitutional symptoms including fever and fatigue. It is usually caused by a virus, but an exanthem can be caused by bacteria, toxins, drugs, other microorganisms, or as a result of autoimmune disease. Exanthems associated with viruses are usually not specific but some are pathognomonic for certain viruses, the rash is not caused by the virus itself but the bodies reaction to the virus.
The term exanthem is from the Greek ἐξάνθημα, exánthēma, 'a breaking out'. It can be contrasted with enanthems which occur inside the body, such as on mucous membranes. Exanthems occasionally present in association with enanthems .