Regular fever pattern in children with roseola

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

Roseola infantum, also known as baby rose rash, is a viral infection primarily caused by human herpesvirus, leading to a feverish rash disease. The fever often begins suddenly without clear signs, potentially reaching high temperatures of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Typically, the fever lasts 3-5 days, after which the temperature might drop suddenly, possibly returning to normal within 24 hours. As the fever subsides, or shortly thereafter, maculopapular rashes appear, mainly on the face, neck, and trunk.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
1min 14sec home-news-image

What to do with sudden rash in toddlers?

Roseola in infants is an acute febrile infectious disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or type 7. During the acute phase, this disease often presents with a sudden high fever, with temperatures reaching up to 39°C (102.2°F), and even exceeding 40°C (104°F). The fever usually lasts for 3-5 days. During this time, it is important to monitor the baby's temperature closely. If a high fever occurs, timely antipyretic treatment should be administered to prevent potential high fever convulsions. Attention should also be given to the baby's mental response; if the baby appears lethargic and the fever persists, symptomatic treatment should be provided promptly. It is also crucial to be vigilant for any potential complications. Most children with roseola will develop a rash after 3-5 days of fever, which lasts about two days. If there are no complications, they can generally recover. Therefore, there is no need to be overly anxious if a child contracts roseola, as it is a self-limiting disease that typically resolves within 5-7 days.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

What to do with baby's sudden rash?

If a child develops sudden exanthema, parents need not be overly worried, as this condition is a rash-causing disease due to herpes virus infection and it can heal on its own. Often, the child may experience high fever for three to five days, during which physical cooling techniques and oral antipyretics can be used for symptomatic treatment. It is also appropriate to ensure the child drinks plenty of water and eats nutritious food. Once the fever symptoms alleviate, scattered rose-like rashes may appear on the child's face and trunk, which can fade on their own. During this period, symptoms of indigestion or itchy skin may occur, and taking calamine for itch relief and oral probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of digestive upset. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
53sec home-news-image

How to reduce fever in children with roseola infantum

Infantile roseola is an acute febrile exanthematic disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or 7. The main clinical manifestation is a sudden high fever, with body temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, or even above 40 degrees Celsius. Besides fever, most babies remain relatively alert, but some may experience febrile convulsions, so it is important to manage the fever promptly. Fever can be reduced by oral antipyretic medications or through rectal administration, commonly using ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These can be repeated every 4-6 hours. Physical cooling methods, such as wiping with warm water or taking a warm bath, can also be used in conjunction with medicinal treatments. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

Is baby rash contagious?

Exanthem subitum, also known as roseola infantum, is caused by human herpesvirus types 6 and 7. Other viruses such as echovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus can also cause exanthem subitum. It is most commonly seen in children under the age of two, with the peak incidence occurring between 7 to 13 months. Cases are rare in children younger than three months or older than four years. Exanthem subitum is an acute exanthematous infectious disease, mostly occurring sporadically. After infection, permanent immunity can be acquired. Being an infectious disease, exanthem subitum is contagious. After being in contact with an infected child, a latent period of 5 to 10 days may follow before fever develops.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
50sec home-news-image

How many times does a young child get a sudden rash?

Roseola infantum is caused by human herpesvirus types 6 and 7, often manifesting as fever and sudden high fever lasting three to five days. The symptoms and signs are mild, disproportionate to the high fever, with 5%-10% of cases experiencing convulsions. On the third to fifth day of the illness, when the fever suddenly subsides, a scattered rose-colored maculopapular rash appears either simultaneously or slightly later, quickly spreading to the neck and trunk, and resolving within one to two days. This condition occurs in 90% of children under the age of two, although it is occasionally seen in older children and adolescents. Most cases are sporadic, and infection usually results in long-lasting immunity. A second occurrence of the disease is rare.