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

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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)

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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 Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Does roseola infantum infect children?

Infantile roseola can be contagious to children, as it is caused by a viral infection and is somewhat contagious. Therefore, after a child contracts infantile roseola, it is important to ensure that the air inside the room is kept fresh, with ventilation for two hours each day. If the child is in good spirits, eating well, and has a temperature not exceeding 38°C, physical cooling methods can be applied to the child, and the diet should be diversified. If the child still has a fever after three days, it is advised to promptly get a blood routine and C-reactive protein test for the child. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment needs to be added.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How many days does a toddler's fever rash last?

Roseola infantum is a viral infectious disease, generally characterized by a fever that lasts about three days, followed by a rash. The rash typically appears after the fever subsides and gradually emerges, starting from the head and neck and spreading to the trunk and limbs, potentially affecting the entire body. The rash usually consists of congestive red maculopapular lesions, which may slowly fade after two to three days.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Symptoms of sudden rash in infants

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.