What medical term describes a rash resulting from a viral infection?

The term "viral exanthem" specifically refers to a rash that occurs as a direct result of a viral infection. Various viral infections, such as measles, rubella, and chickenpox, can lead to the development of a characteristic rash, which is an integral part of the clinical presentation of these diseases. Viral exanthems typically manifest as diffuse rashes with specific patterns that can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing the underlying infection.

In contrast, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, which is not caused by a viral infection. Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin that can arise from various triggers, including irritants, allergens, or stress, rather than being exclusively viral. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a condition involving raised, itchy welts on the skin that can result from allergies, infections, or other stimuli, and does not specifically indicate a viral origin. Therefore, the precision of the term “viral exanthem” makes it the correct choice for describing a rash resulting from a viral infection.