The median age is 5 years. The distribution is usually on dependent parts of the body and typically appears in crops with new crops appearing in waves. Eruptions usually last an average of 3 weeks. The most common symptom is colicky abdominal pain. Large joints most commonly are involved, with pain and edema being the only symptoms.
Skin lesions consist of erythematous macules, urticarial papules, pruritic papules, and plaques.
Children younger than 2 years also may have upper extremity and head and trunk involvement. Typically, the rash first appears as red macules and papules, which later become purple, and then a rust color. Varying stages of eruption usually are present simultaneously. Abdomen Heme-positive stool is the primary GI examination finding. The abdominal examination generally is unremarkable.