Fifth disease of childhood (erythema infectiosum) is a viral disease from which most children recover quickly and without problems. It is especially common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.
Erythema infectiosum manifests itself as a rash that turns a child’s cheeks bright red. That’s why it’s sometimes called a “slapped cheek” rash. A few days later, the rash spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. It usually lasts one to three weeks.
What are the signs and symptoms of erythema infectiosum?
What does it start with:
a low fever headache a stuffy or runny nose
These symptoms clear up and the disease seems to disappear, but a few days later the rash appears. This rash can occur mainly in children under 10 years of age.
The rash usually starts on the face and turns the cheeks bright red. Then, red (usually lighter) spots appear on the chest, back, arms and legs. The rash may be itchy. After a few days, it takes on a lacy net appearance.
Sometimes the rash can worsen when the skin is exposed to heat or the sun. It comes and goes before disappearing completely after a few weeks.
In older children and adults, fifth disease may not cause the red rash on the cheeks, but it can cause swelling and joint pain that can last for weeks to months and, rarely, years. But over time, it usually goes away without lasting problems.
What causes fifth disease?
Fifth disease (also called erythema infectiosum) is caused by parvovirus B19. The virus spreads in droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches a surface. It is most contagious before the rash appears, when the symptoms appear to be those of a common cold. By the time the rash appears, the body has already been fighting the infection for some time and the person is no longer contagious. Children usually do not spread the infection once they have the rash.
How is fifth disease diagnosed?
Doctors can usually diagnose fifth disease by seeing the rash on the face and body. If someone doesn’t have the rash but has other symptoms, the doctor may do blood tests to see if parvovirus B19 is causing them.
How is fifth disease treated?
It is caused by a virus, so it cannot be treated with antibiotics (antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses). In most cases, it is a mild illness that goes away on its own, so no medication is needed.
Usually, children with this disease feel fine and just need to rest. After the fever and mild cold symptoms subside, there may be little to treat except for any discomfort from the rash.
If your child’s rash is itchy, seek medical advice to relieve the discomfort. Your doctor may also recommend acetaminophen for fever or joint pain. Do not give aspirin to your child because it has been associated with a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome when given to children who have a viral infection.
What problems can occur?
Fifth disease could make some people sick, such as those with:
weak immune systems (such as those with AIDS or cancer) some blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease or hemolytic anemia)
Parvovirus B19 can temporarily slow down or prevent the body from making oxygen-carrying red blood cells (RBCs). This can lead to severe anemia, which needs to be treated in a hospital. A person with severe anemia may be pale, dizzy, or sleepy.
Parvovirus B19 infection during a woman’s pregnancy can cause problems for the fetus, especially in the first half of the pregnancy.
Can fifth disease be prevented?
It is difficult to fully prevent fifth disease. There is no vaccine, but after infection the person develops antibodies. Immunity after infection lasts for life.
Washing your hands well and often is the best way to avoid the virus that causes fifth disease and can help prevent the spread of many infections.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your child develops a rash, especially if the rash is widespread or your child also has a fever, cold symptoms, or joint pain.
Also call if you are pregnant, have a weak immune system or have a blood disorder and:
develop a rash or joint pain were around someone who had fifth disease or an unusual rash.
References:
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2023-07-31 05:30:26
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