What is forcheimer sign?

Forcheimer sign is a medical sign that indicates the presence of rubella in an individual. It is also known as German measles or three-day measles. This sign is characterized by the presence of small, red, pinpoint lesions on the soft palate of the mouth. These lesions are caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels due to the virus.

The Forcheimer sign usually appears a few days after the onset of the rash, which is one of the main symptoms of rubella. It is not always present in all individuals infected with rubella and may only be seen in approximately 20% of cases. In addition to the soft palate, the rash may also be observed on the face, neck, chest, and other parts of the body.

The Forcheimer sign is named after the German physician Arthur Forcheimer, who first described it in 1910. The sign is still used today as a diagnostic tool for identifying cases of rubella. Other symptoms of rubella include fever, headache, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Rubella can be prevented through vaccination.