What are the symptoms of roseola infantum?

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Roseola infantum commonly occurs in infants under one year old, caused by human herpesvirus type 6 infection. It typically presents with very high fever, with temperatures often reaching 39-40 degrees Celsius, and throat congestion. However, the patient generally remains in good condition without obvious symptoms of infection or poisoning. Blood tests are generally normal, indicating a viral infection. Symptomatic treatment is given, and about three to five days later, the temperature abruptly drops. One to two days after the temperature returns to normal, a red, rose-like rash appears, primarily on the head, face, and trunk, consistent with the clinical manifestations of rash following the resolution of the fever.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Do infants with sudden rash need to take medicine?

Childhood rash illness is a common pediatric acute fever caused by herpes simplex virus types 6 and 7, characterized by a high fever lasting three to four days, followed by the appearance of a rash after the fever subsides. The treatment mainly involves symptomatic management. When a child's body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen suspension can be administered. It is also important to ensure the child stays well-hydrated. Before the rash appears, it is not certain that it will occur. For most children who have been confirmed through a blood test to have a viral infection, antiviral medications might sometimes be administered. However, these medications ultimately do not shorten the duration of the illness. Once the child has been feverish for three days and the rash appears, no further medication is typically necessary; just ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids. The rash usually spreads within about two days and then quickly fades. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can children with roseola go outside?

Roseola infantum, also known as exanthema subitum, is caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or type 7. It is an acute febrile infectious disease that evolves over time. The fever may last three to five days. It's important to keep warm, especially in winter, as failure to do so can worsen the child's condition. However, going out is generally fine as long as proper precautions are taken to avoid aggravating the child's illness. Still, it is crucial to intensify care, maintain a light diet, and provide a quiet and comfortable environment for the child, all of which are beneficial for recovery.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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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.)