Roseola is a common childhood disease that causes a high fever and a distinctive rash. It is usually benign, but can lead to complications in rare cases. Children with compromised immune systems are at higher risk and should be monitored closely. The disease is contagious and infected children should stay home to avoid spreading it.
Roseola, more properly known as roseola infantum, is a very common childhood disease. As many as 90% of children under the age of two will be exposed to roseola, with around a third of these children developing the disease. In most cases, the disease is benign, with the baby suffering no long-term damage, but in rare cases, complications can emerge and make the condition more serious.
This viral infection is also known as exanthema subitum or sixth disease. It starts with a classic high fever, which may be accompanied by a runny nose, irritation, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Once the fever breaks, a distinctive rash appears. The rash is made up of small red spots that blanch when touched and isn’t itchy or irritating, unlike many other childhood rashes.
The rash will eventually clear up on its own and your child will return to his or her normal level of activity. During the peak of roseola fever and the rash, the child may become extremely restless and irritable, and parents may wish to keep a variety of distractions around to keep the child occupied, such as games, toys, and books that parents can read at aloud to the child.
With rest at home and plenty of fluids, children usually recover from roseola. In some cases, a doctor may recommend certain over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and discomfort. Your child may also have febrile seizures if the fever is very high, which can be frightening for caregivers. When febrile seizures are observed, parents should call their doctors for advice.
Children with compromised immune systems are more prone to serious complications from roseola, and special treatment recommendations may be made in these children. Parents of children with compromised immune systems are generally educated about increased risks from normally benign childhood diseases, including roseola, and should make sure they have their doctor’s contact information readily available so they can call for help and advice quickly.
Like other viral infections, roseola is contagious. Children with this condition should stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others and because rest will help break a fever quicker. Other family members should be careful to wash their hands after contact with the infected child, and immunocompromised adults should be warned to stay away from the family until the child feels better, as they can contract the virus and become very ill.
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