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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can air conditioning be used for children with roseola infantum?

Exanthema subitum, also known as roseola infantum, is a common pediatric disease caused by a viral infection that results in fever and rash. When a child's temperature exceeds 38.5℃, it is necessary to administer antipyretic medication. If the temperature is below 38.5℃, physical methods to reduce the fever are sufficient. Since the child is in a continuous state of high fever, it is acceptable to use air conditioning. Air conditioning can maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity level. The appropriate temperature and humidity can make the child more comfortable and also aid in reducing the fever. Of course, it is crucial to avoid exposing the child directly to the airflow from the air conditioner. Additionally, the air in air-conditioned rooms can be quite dry, so it is essential to ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids.

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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Do toddler exanthemata itch?

Roseola infantum is an acute febrile developmental disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6, and in some cases, by human herpesvirus type 7. Generally, the fever lasts three to five days, and a rash appears after the fever subsides, typically lasting about two days before fading. If there are no complications, recovery is usually swift. The rash in roseola infantum is roseola-like maculopapular and is neither painful nor itchy. Therefore, this rash does not cause itching. If the rash is significantly itchy, the likelihood of roseola infantum is relatively small, and it may be caused by allergies or other reasons.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of roseola infantum?

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 Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to reduce fever in children with roseola?

Roseola in infants is a common febrile exanthematous disease observed in toddlers and infants. Its primary characteristic is the sudden onset of high fever without obvious triggers, with body temperatures reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Typically, the fever lasts three to five days. During periods of high fever, the child may become irritable or even experience convulsions. Therefore, when confronted with high fever associated with roseola, appropriate fever-reducing treatments can be given. Generally, if the child's overall condition is good, physical cooling methods like a lukewarm bath, cooling patches, or the oral intake of traditional Chinese medicine that reduces fever may be chosen. In cases of persistent high fever—temperatures above 38.5 degrees Celsius at night or above 39 degrees Celsius—children who have previously experienced febrile convulsions may require appropriate fever-reducing medications, dosed according to the child’s weight.