Roseola is a skin disease caused by the herpes virus.
Who can get roseola?
Both adults and children can get roseola.
It is most common in children between 6 months and 3 years old.
It is most common in the spring and fall.
What are the symptoms of roseola?
Roseola begins with a high fever (101-105 degrees F or 38.3-40.6 degrees
C).
The fever lasts about 3-4 days.
A rash that lasts 3-4 days usually follows the fever.
The rash usually starts on the trunk of the body in red bumps. It can spread
to the neck, arms, and legs.
The red bumps may turn white for a moment after you touch them.
Children with high fevers could have seizures.
Signs of a seizure include unconsciousness, jerking and twitching movements
in the arms, legs, or face, and losing control of the bladder or bowels.
Seizures usually go away as the fever goes down.
Some children may have breathing problems, ear infections, and diarrhea.
Your child may be fussy and irritable.
She may have a sore throat and swollen neck glands.
Is roseola contagious?
Yes. Roseola is contagious.
It can be spread by direct contact with infected persons or items.
It can be spread by sneezing and coughing.
How is roseola treated?
You should take your child to the doctor if you think she might have roseola.
The doctor will take your child's temperature and may take a blood test.
Roseola can be treated at home. It is not a serious illness.
Ask your doctor how to treat your child's symptoms.
Fever symptoms can be treated at home. Cool
your child with a damp cloth and give her plenty of clear fluids.
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Panadol, and
Tempra) can be used to treat fever symptoms.
Do not use aspirin. It can cause brain and liver damage in a child with
a viral infection.
How long does roseola last?
Symptoms are usually gone within 2 weeks.
How can roseola be prevented?
Wash hands often.
Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor or emergency room at once if your child has a seizure.
Call the doctor if your child is unusually tired.
Call the doctor if your child has a long-lasting fever.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's illness.
Quick Answers
Roseola is a skin disease caused by the herpes virus.
It is most common in children between 6 months and 3 years old.
It begins with a high fever and is usually followed by a rash.
Roseola is contagious. It can be spread by sneezing and coughing.
Take your child to the doctor if she has symptoms of roseola. Symptoms can
be treated at home.
Symptoms are usually gone within 2 weeks.
No one knows if or how roseola can be prevented.
Call the doctor or emergency room at once if your child has a seizure.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (Roseola). In: Pickering LK, ed. 2000 Red
Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 25th ed. Elk Grove Village,
IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2000: (322-324)
Health Gate. Roseola. (cited 2001 October 15). Available from: URL: http://community.healthage.com/print/print/asp?siteid=Demonstration&docid=/imcaccess/ConsConditions/Roseolacc
Klein, J M.D. Roseola Infantum. KidsHealth. 2001 September (cited 2001 October
15). Available from: URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=22956
Lambert, G M.D. Roseola. MedlinePlus. 2000 February 9 (cited 2001 October
15). Available from: URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000968.htm
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