Common signs of viral skin infection include all the following EXCEPT?
Rashes
Erythema
Cellulitis
Warts
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Cellulitis.
Explanation:
Viral skin infections are typically characterized by specific symptoms and patterns. Common signs include rashes, erythema, and warts, but cellulitis is not commonly associated with viral infections. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, often caused by bacteria, particularly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. While viral infections can cause skin inflammation, such as erythema (redness), or rashes in the form of bumps, blisters, or lesions, cellulitis tends to present with symptoms like intense redness, swelling, warmth, and pain that are more characteristic of bacterial infections.
- Rashes are a common sign of many viral skin infections, such as chickenpox, measles, and rubella. These rashes often take specific forms depending on the virus involved, like fluid-filled blisters or a maculopapular rash.
- Erythema, which refers to redness of the skin, can also be a result of viral infections like the common cold, influenza, or certain exanthems. Erythema may appear as part of a broader rash or as a local reaction to viral replication in the skin.
- Warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are another clear indication of a viral skin infection. These are non-cancerous growths that form on the skin, typically appearing on the hands, feet, or genital areas. Warts are also commonly caused by viral pathogens, though they are usually not painful or dangerous.
Cellulitis, on the other hand, is typically the result of a bacterial infection, not a viral one. It usually occurs when bacteria enter through broken skin or wounds, leading to symptoms of warmth, swelling, redness, and pain. In some severe cases, cellulitis can lead to systemic symptoms like fever and chills.
Thus, cellulitis is the outlier in this list as it is not a typical manifestation of a viral skin infection.