What are Forchheimer spots associated with?

Forchheimer spots are small, discrete, red spots that can appear on the soft palate during the prodromal phase of rubella infection. They are considered a characteristic finding associated with rubella (German measles) and often appear shortly before or during the onset of the rash and other systemic symptoms. The presence of these spots is a useful clinical clue that can aid in the diagnosis of rubella, particularly in differentiating it from other viral infections that may present with a similar rash.

In the context of rubella, the significance of Forchheimer spots helps to highlight the condition's distinct presentation among various viral exanthems. Their identification can help clinicians confirm a suspicion of rubella, especially in a population where vaccination rates may be variable, leading to potential outbreaks.