Roseola infantum is a viral infection that mostly affects children under two. Symptoms include a high fever and a flat pink or red rash. It is contagious and can cause febrile seizures, so treating the fever is recommended. Most children recover with home care.
Roseola infantum, often known simply as roseola or sixth disease, is a viral infection that mostly affects children under the age of two. Resulting from contact with a couple of strains of the herpes virus, the condition has a relatively predictable course and most children will recover with very little intervention other than some home care to provide comfort. The disease can be problematic for a small group of children who develop febrile seizures from very high fevers, and it can also be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems to come into contact with someone with the condition.
There are two basic stages of roseola infantum, which comprise its main symptoms. When a child, or more rarely an adult, comes into contact with the disease, the incubation period can last a week or more. The first symptom to appear is often a high fever that can exceed 103 degrees F (39.44 degrees C). Sometimes there is a variation in the first symptom and people will develop cold-like signs which could include a mild cough or stuffy nose. Most frequently, sudden fever is the first sign.
The fever phase can last up to a week or end within a few days. In classic cases of roseola infantum, the next and usually final symptom is the development of a flat pink or red rash. This can start on the trunk and spread outward, possibly reaching the limbs, though not always. It may take a few days for the rash to clear up on its own, but it’s not thought to be particularly uncomfortable or itchy. The rash can certainly look quite vivid, but it tends to look worse than it feels and usually doesn’t require any skin treatment.
Some other minor symptoms may be associated with roseola infantum, including stomach pain. Some babies are tired or irritable, and some may have itchy eyelids. Children may not be interested in eating much during all stages of the disease.
As mentioned, the biggest problem for some people who get roseola infantum is a high fever that causes febrile seizures. It is therefore recommended that treating the fever be part of the cure for this disease, although it is usually not diagnosed until the rash appears and the fever has gone away. However, a fever of up to 103 degrees is typically treated with fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For children, aspirin is not appropriate and there is an established link between roseola and Reye’s syndrome.
Although young children are thought to be more likely to get roseola infantum, the condition could potentially affect anyone and is undoubtedly contagious. Especially until the fever has cleared up, children with this illness should have minimal contact with others and especially should avoid contact with anyone with compromised immune systems. Due to high fever, a visit to the doctor is often recommended and parents should definitely get medical help without delay if a child has an attack during high fever. This requires emergency treatment that a parent cannot provide.
Most children will not have this complication and parents can follow guidelines for best home care. In addition to reducing fever, rest and plenty of fluids are recommended. The disease can run its course in about four to five days to about two weeks. Many people are therefore immune to exposure in the future.
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