Morbiliform rash, also known as a maculopapular rash, is characterized by a combination of flat, red areas and small, raised bumps on the skin. It often resembles measles and can be itchy or non-itchy. Morbiliform rashes are typically caused by viral infections, drug reactions, and certain autoimmune conditions, with the most recent and highest quality evid...

Understanding the Context

Many viral illnesses and medicines can cause a measles-like rash known as a morbilliform rash. Learn the causes, symptoms, and when to call a doctor. Morbilliform drug eruption is the most common form of drug eruption. Many drugs can trigger this allergic reaction, but antibiotics are the most common group.

Key Insights

The eruption may resemble exanthems caused by viral and bacterial infections. A morbilliform skin rash in an adult is usually due to a drug. The term morbilliform refers to a rash that looks like measles. [1][2] The rash consists of macular lesions that are red and usually 2โ€“10 mm in diameter but may be confluent in places. [3] Exanthematous drug eruption, also known as a morbilliform or maculopapular drug eruption, is the most common type of drug hypersensitivity reaction [1].

Final Thoughts

Diagnosis of exanthematous drug eruption should be suspected in a patient receiving drug treatment who presents with a new onset rash. Define the morbilliform rash pattern. Understand why this common skin reaction occurs, how it is managed, and when to seek medical care. A morbilliform reaction is the most common presentation of a drug eruption, accounting for 95% of all drug eruptions.6 Morbilliform is defined as a rash resembling measles and is clinically depicted by erythematous macules and/or papules, often coalescing into larger plaques.