Is baby rash contagious?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on June 28, 2025
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Exanthem subitum, also known as roseola infantum, is caused by human herpesvirus types 6 and 7. Other viruses such as echovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus can also cause exanthem subitum. It is most commonly seen in children under the age of two, with the peak incidence occurring between 7 to 13 months. Cases are rare in children younger than three months or older than four years. Exanthem subitum is an acute exanthematous infectious disease, mostly occurring sporadically. After infection, permanent immunity can be acquired. Being an infectious disease, exanthem subitum is contagious. After being in contact with an infected child, a latent period of 5 to 10 days may follow before fever develops.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Process of fever reduction for children with roseola

Infantile roseola, also known as exanthema subitum, is a common acute febrile rash illness in infants and young children. It is characterized by high fever in children under three years old lasting for 3-5 days, followed by a sudden drop in body temperature. Simultaneously, rose-pink maculopapular rashes appear. One distinguishing feature of the fever associated with this illness is that after three to five days of high fever, body temperature generally spikes, then suddenly drops. Typically, within 24 hours, the temperature returns to normal. After the fever subsides or as the body temperature drops, rashes begin to appear on the skin.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What to pay attention to when a young child's rash fever subsides

Roseola infantum is a common acute febrile exanthematous disease in pediatrics caused by a viral infection. It is moderately contagious. Its typical characteristic is that the child will have a continuous high fever for 3-4 days, followed by the appearance of a rash after the fever subsides. Once the rash appears post-fever, there is no need for further medication. At this time, the child should be given plenty of fluids, and the diet should be light and easy to digest. Some children may also experience more frequent bowel movements, in which case it is sufficient to take good care of the skin in the affected area and keep a close watch. Throughout the period of the rash after the fever, just ensure adequate hydration without additional medication, let the child rest more, avoid crowded places, and typically, the disease will be fully recovered in about 3 days.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What temperature constitutes a high fever in baby roseola?

Roseola infantum is an acute febrile exanthematous disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or 7. Its characteristic is that after 3-5 days of fever, the body temperature suddenly drops, and rose-pink maculopapular rashes appear on the skin. The condition then improves, and if there are no complications, recovery can be swift. Thus, in the early stages of roseola infantum, high fever predominates, generally reaching temperatures around 39 degrees Celsius, or even exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. During the initial high fever, febrile convulsions can occur. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, coughing, and drowsiness, while others may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea and swollen, congested tonsils.

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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.