Roseola: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Roseola is a common viral infection that affects mostly young children, usually before the age of two. Roseola can also be called sixth disease, baby measles, or exanthem subitum. This blog post discusses how to identify the symptoms of roseola, diagnose it, treat it, and prevent it.
What causes roseola?
Human herpesvirus (HHV) causes roseola. Two types of HHV can cause roseola: HHV-6 and HHV-7. It is not related to cold sores or genital herpes viruses, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Children can catch roseola at any time of the year, but it is more common in the spring and fall. It is spread through saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person, often before symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms of roseola?
Symptoms of roseola typically include a high fever that typically lasts three to five days with temperatures between 103 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit (39.5 to 40 degrees Celsius). Some children may experience febrile seizures during the fever. A febrile seizure is a brief, harmless convulsion that occurs when the body temperature rises rapidly. It is not a sign of brain damage or epilepsy, but it can be frightening to watch. You should seek medical attention immediately if your child has a febrile seizure.
Several days after the fever has subsided, some children develop a pink, flat rash on their chest, back, belly, neck, arms, and legs. The rash is not itchy or painful, and it leaves no scars. The rash may reach the face, but usually spares the palms and soles. The rash may also reach the face, but usually spares the palms and soles.
Some children may also have other symptoms before or during the fever, such as:
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Runny nose
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Pink eye
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Swelling of the eyelids or the area around the eyes
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Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or the back of the head
How is roseola diagnosed?
Usually, roseola is diagnosed by a fever and rash. A blood test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis in these cases, as the rash may not appear or may be confused with other skin conditions such as measles, rubella, or scarlet fever. Blood tests can detect antibodies to HHV-6 or HHV-7 viruses, indicating an infection in the past or present.
How is roseola treated?
Roseola is a self-limiting infection that usually goes away on its own in a week or less. There is no specific treatment for roseola, but you can help your child feel more comfortable by:
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Giving them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
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Dressing them in light clothing and keeping the room temperature cool to lower the fever
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Applying cool compresses or giving them a sponge bath to reduce the fever
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Giving them acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the fever and pain, but avoiding aspirin, which can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome
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Keeping their nails trimmed and covering their hands with mittens or socks to prevent scratching the rash
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Using a humidifier or a saline nasal spray to ease the congestion and cough
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Applying artificial tears or a warm washcloth to the eyes to soothe the irritation and swelling
You should also monitor your child’s temperature and symptoms and contact your doctor if:
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The fever lasts longer than seven days or returns after it has gone away
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The rash lasts longer than four days or spreads to the palms and soles
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The rash becomes blistered, crusty, or infected
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Your child has signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output
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Your child has trouble breathing, eating, or drinking
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Your child has a stiff neck, severe headache, or confusion
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Your child has a history of a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition
How can roseola be prevented?
Rosala cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medication. In order to prevent roseola, it is important to avoid contact with people with the infection or those who may be carrying it. However, since the virus can spread before symptoms appear, it is difficult to prevent it. Therefore, you should practice good hygiene and teach your child to:
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Wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
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Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze
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Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or toys with others
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Stay home from school or daycare when they are sick
If your child has a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition, you should consult your doctor about the risk of roseola and how to protect them from the infection.
Conclusion
Most children are affected by Roseola. It causes a fever followed by a rash that doesn't itch or hurt. Roseola is usually harmless and goes away on its own, but it can cause febrile seizures in some children and serious complications in others. By giving your child fluids, fever reducers, and comfort measures, you can help them feel better. Avoiding contact with infected people and practicing good hygiene can also prevent roseola. Your doctor should be consulted if you have any questions or concerns about roseola.
