How to care for baby's sudden rash

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on June 22, 2025
00:00
00:00

Exanthem subitum in infants is caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or type 7 infection; it is an acute febrile rash disease. During the acute phase, a sudden high fever may occur, with body temperatures reaching up to 39°C or even over 40°C, followed by the appearance of a rash after the fever subsides. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor body temperature closely. During periods of high fever in infants, timely antipyretic treatment should be administered, such as oral fever-reducing medications, combined with physical cooling methods. Additionally, it is important to monitor the infant's mental response and ensure they drink plenty of water. When the rash appears, maintaining skin cleanliness and hygiene to prevent skin infections and other measures should be taken. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
47sec home-news-image

How to relieve itching from baby rash?

Roseola infantum is caused by human herpesvirus infection, primarily characterized by high fever for three to five days. After the fever subsides, a rash appears. The rash, consisting of small, dense red maculopapules, is primarily located on the trunk and face, with fewer occurrences on the limbs. The entire rash appears in one day and gradually fades the following day. The rash does not cause itching, so there is generally no need for special anti-itch medications. The rash usually fades gradually the day after it appears and leaves no scars once it has cleared. The appearance of the rash after the fever subsides indicates that the herpesvirus infection is nearing recovery, requiring no special treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 11sec home-news-image

Do babies with roseola fear water?

Roseola infantum is a common pediatric rash disease caused by a viral infection. The main symptoms are a persistent high fever lasting 3 to 4 days, followed by a sudden drop in body temperature and the appearance of a rash. Roseola is caused by a viral infection and is not aggravated by water exposure. During the fever period, if the body temperature is below 38.5°C, it is acceptable to use a warm towel to wipe the child's forehead, neck, armpits, and groin to physically reduce the temperature. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids. There is no relationship between roseola and water, and during the period of continuous high fever, it is crucial to keep the child hydrated, as a high fever causes significant fluid loss. Moreover, if the child does not receive adequate fluids, the fever may be difficult to reduce, which is an important point to note. Parents should understand that roseola is not exacerbated by exposure to water.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 12sec home-news-image

How to treat roseola infantum?

Pediatric acute rash is a common febrile rash disease seen in infants and young children, mostly occurring between six months to one and a half years old. Its main symptom is a fever for three days followed by a rash as the fever subsides. Before the rash appears, it is not known to be pediatric acute rash. The treatment mainly involves symptomatic management, as it is caused by a viral infection, so some antiviral medications can be taken. Symptomatic treatment primarily involves reducing fever. The principle for fever reduction is that if the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, give the child fever-reducing medication, such as ibuprofen suspension; below 38.5, physical cooling methods are sufficient. Once the fever has lasted three days and the rash appears confirming pediatric acute rash, all medications can be discontinued. The child should drink plenty of water and rest. Generally, the rash will fully develop within about 24 hours, and then naturally subside over the following three to five days.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
54sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
44sec home-news-image

Can infantile roseola recur?

Exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) is a common acute febrile rash disease in infants and young children, caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or 7. The main characteristic is that three to five days after the onset of fever, the fever suddenly drops, and rose-pink maculopapular rashes appear on the skin, easing the condition. If there are no complications, recovery is usually rapid. After contracting exanthem subitum once, most children acquire immunity and it is rare for them to experience it a second time. However, if a child has an immune deficiency or low immune function, there is still a possibility of contracting exanthem subitum again.