Symptoms of sudden rash in infants

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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The symptoms of baby rash, a common febrile exanthematous disease in infants and toddlers, usually occur in children under three years old. The peak incidence is between six and seven months after birth. Typically, the child suddenly has a high fever without an obvious cause. The general body temperature is around 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Besides a loss of appetite, the child generally remains in good spirits, though some may present with a mild fever, not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. After three to five days of fever, the temperature suddenly drops, generally returning to normal within twenty-four hours. Once the fever subsides or as the temperature begins to decrease, a rash typically appears on the skin, usually rose-red maculopapular or macular rashes. A few children may show mild irritability, swollen lymph nodes, or symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

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Written by Chen Si
Pediatrics
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How to care for children with roseola

Roseola in infants generally does not require special treatment. It is important to control body temperature promptly to prevent it from getting too high or rising too quickly, which could lead to febrile convulsions. Skin rashes usually appear after the fever subsides, typically in the order of the forehead and face, torso, and extremities. These rashes are neither painful nor itchy, but they might cause irritability in children. There is no need for additional medicated creams for the rashes to prevent further skin issues caused by medications. Dietary recommendations include light, easily digestible food, and there are no specific foods that need to be avoided. Normal bathing and keeping warm to prevent catching a cold are also advised, and normal outdoor activities do not adversely affect children with roseola.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to determine baby rash?

Roseola infantum is a common acute exanthematous infectious disease in pediatrics, also known as baby roseola, caused by human herpesvirus types 6 and 7. To determine whether it is roseola, the main criteria are if the child is under two years old, especially infants aged 7 to 13 months, who exhibit a persistent high fever. During the fever, if the child’s fever subsides, they appear in good spirits and do not have other complications, then roseola should be highly suspected. In such cases, symptomatic treatment should be provided first, with a focus on hydration. If the temperature exceeds 38.5℃, give the child fever-reducing medication and continue to observe at home due to the persistent high fever, which lasts three to four days. Once the child’s temperature suddenly drops, carefully observe whether a rash appears on the trunk, neck, limbs, and facial area. If these symptoms are present, which match with the history of a high fever lasting three to four days followed by the appearance of a rash, the diagnosis is roseola infantum.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Process of fever reduction for children with roseola

Infantile roseola, also known as exanthema subitum, is a common acute febrile rash illness in infants and young children. It is characterized by high fever in children under three years old lasting for 3-5 days, followed by a sudden drop in body temperature. Simultaneously, rose-pink maculopapular rashes appear. One distinguishing feature of the fever associated with this illness is that after three to five days of high fever, body temperature generally spikes, then suddenly drops. Typically, within 24 hours, the temperature returns to normal. After the fever subsides or as the body temperature drops, rashes begin to appear on the skin.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Causes of Baby Rash

Infantile roseola, also known as roseola infantum, is a common acute exanthematous infectious disease in infants and young children, mostly occurring under the age of two, with a peak incidence between 7 to 13 months of age. It is rare in children younger than three months and older than four years. The disease primarily occurs as sporadic infections, followed by lasting immunity, with occasional second occurrences. The main cause of roseola in infants is the herpes virus, specifically human herpesvirus types 6 and 7, which are the main pathogens. Other viruses, such as Coxsackievirus A16, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus, can also cause roseola in infants.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long does vomiting last in children with sudden rash?

Roseola in infants is a common febrile rash disease in toddlers, generally caused by a viral infection. The primary clinical manifestations of roseola include high fever lasting 3-5 days. Typically, rash develops as the fever subsides or after the fever has resolved. Some children may also experience other symptoms, such as coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Roseola is generally a self-limiting disease; the rash and other symptoms usually disappear gradually after the fever resolves. However, if roseola is accompanied by other viral or bacterial infections, the duration of the illness or symptoms may be prolonged. Since each child is different, the duration of symptoms like vomiting in roseola varies from one child to another, and there is no specific timeframe.