Roseola is widespread fine pink rash that's caused by a specific virus
Classic feature is that the rash is preceded by 3 to 5 days of high fever
The fever goes away before the rash starts
Call or Return If
Fever comes back
Rash lasts more than 4 days
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Symptoms
Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
Rash: Pink, small, flat or slightly raised spots on the chest and stomach. Rash is the same on both sides of the body. Then may spread to the face and arms.
Classic feature: 3 to 5 days of high fever without a rash or other symptoms.
The rash starts 12 to 24 hours after the fever goes away.
The rash lasts 1 to 3 days.
By the time the rash appears, the child feels fine.
Causes
Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6)
Viral Rashes and Drug Rashes
Prescription medicines sometimes cause widespread rashes.
Non-prescription (OTC) medicines rarely cause any rashes.
Most rashes that occur while taking an OTC medicine are viral rashes.
Fever medicines (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) cause the most confusion. Reason: Most viral rashes start with a fever. Hence, the child is taking a fever medicine when the rash starts. But the fever medicine had nothing to do with the rash.
Drug rashes can't be diagnosed over the phone.
Prevention
Good hand washing can prevent spread of infection.
After Care Advice
Overview:
Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
It's the most common rash in this age group.
By the time they get the rash, the fever is gone. The child feels fine.
The rash is harmless and goes away on its own.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Treatment:
No treatment is needed.
Creams or medicines are not helpful.
Moisturizing Cream for Itch:
Roseola usually is not itchy. If your child's rash is itchy, here are some tips.
Use a moisturizing cream once or twice daily. Examples are Eucerin or Cetaphil creams.
Apply the cream after a 5 or 10-minute bath. (Reason: Water-soaked skin feels less itchy).
Avoid all soaps. (Reason: Soaps, especially bubble bath, make the skin dry and itchy).
Fever:
For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: Lower fevers are important for fighting infections.
For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
What to Expect:
Roseola rash goes away in 2-3 days.
Some children with Roseola just have 3 days of fever without a rash.
Return to Child Care:
Once the fever is gone for 24 hours, the disease is no longer contagious.
Even if the rash is still present, your child can return to child care or school.
Children exposed to your child earlier may come down with Roseola in 9-10 days.
Author:Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright
Disclaimer:This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
