Causes of Baby Rash

Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

Updated on April 23, 2025

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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

39sec

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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 Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

55sec

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Can children with roseola eat eggs?

Exanthema subitum, also known as roseola, is an acute febrile developmental disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or 7. Typically, the acute phase begins with a sudden high fever, where the body temperature can reach 39°C or even exceed 40°C, lasting for about three to five days. After the fever subsides, a rash appears, generally lasting about two days. In cases without complications, the rash disappears after two days, and the condition is resolved. During the fever phase, it is recommended to have a light diet with easily digestible food included. Eggs are rich in protein and phospholipids, making them a nutritious food option that can be given to children in moderation. However, excessive consumption may increase the burden on the child's gastrointestinal function and hinder digestion.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 33sec

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How should one handle roseola in toddlers?

Infantile roseola is a common febrile rash illness in infants, the main manifestation of which is high fever lasting for three to five days. When the fever subsides, a maculopapular rash appears on the skin. During the illness, it is important to ensure that the room is well-ventilated and to avoid taking the child to crowded places to prevent worsening of the condition due to cross-infection. Additionally, if the child has a high fever or feels unwell, appropriate fever-reducing treatments should be given. If physical cooling is not effective, suitable antipyretic medicine should be administered. Also, the child should not wear too many clothes or be covered with thick blankets during the fever to avoid impairing heat dissipation. If the child sweats a lot when the fever subsides, be sure to change their clothes promptly to prevent catching cold. During the illness, the child should drink plenty of water, preferably warm. As for diet, it is important to consume light and easily digestible food and properly supplement with vitamin C. If breastfeeding, the mother should be cautious not to consume spicy and greasy food since the baby's gastrointestinal tract is relatively weak during illness. If the mother's diet is too spicy or greasy, it could potentially exacerbate the baby's gastrointestinal burden, leading to diarrhea or vomiting.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

25sec

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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 Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min 5sec

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How to deal with baby roseola

For the nursing methods of infantile sudden rash, it is important to note that first, the child should drink more water to replenish sufficient fluids. The initial symptom of infantile sudden rash is fever, but too high a body temperature can cause excessive loss of water in the baby, and drinking more water not only replenishes fluids but also helps to reduce fever, Secondly, physical cooling should be used. During periods of high fever, physical cooling methods such as using cold packs or warm water baths should be employed to help reduce the child's body temperature while maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, During the child's visit to the clinic, it is necessary to keep the indoor environment ventilated and clean, bathe the baby in a timely manner, and keeping the skin fresh is also beneficial for eliminating toxins. Additionally, a healthy diet is crucial during the emergency period; although the baby might not show abnormalities, attention must be paid to the diet, especially for breastfed babies, where the mother herself must ensure a healthy and nutritious diet.