Roseola (patient infomation)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children in which a high fever and skin rash occur.

What are the symptoms of Roseola?[edit | edit source]

The child may have a runny nose, sore throat, and eye redness.

A fever usually occurs before the rash appears. It lasts for 3 (sometimes up to 7) days. The fever may be as high as 105° Fahrenheit, and it generally responds well to acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Between the second and fourth day of the illness, the fever drops and a rash appears (often as the fever falls).

• The rash starts on the trunk and spreads to the limbs, neck, and face. The rash is pink or rose-colored, and has fairly small sores that are slightly raised.
• The rash lasts from a few hours to 2 - 3 days. It usually does not itch.

Other symptoms include:

• Irritability
• High fever that comes on quickly

What causes Roseola?[edit | edit source]

It is caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), although similar syndromes are possible with other viruses.

Roseola occurs throughout the year. The time between becoming infected and the beginning of symptoms (incubation period) is 5 to 15 days.

Who is at highest risk?[edit | edit source]

The disease is common in children ages 3 months to 4 years, and most common in those ages 6 months to 1 year.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

• Physical exam of rash
• Swollen lymph nodes on the neck (cervical nodes) or back of the scalp (occipital nodes)

When to seek urgent medical care?[edit | edit source]

Call your health care provider if your child:

• Has a fever that does not go down with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) and a warm bath
• Continues to appear very sick
• Acts irritable or lethargic

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if your child has convulsions.

Treatment options[edit | edit source]

There is no specific treatment. The disease usually gets better without complications.

Take steps to control a fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) and cool sponge baths. If convulsions occur, call your health care provider, or go to the closest emergency room.

Where to find medical care for Roseola?[edit | edit source]

Directions to Hospitals Treating Roseola

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?[edit | edit source]

Most children with roseola fully recover.

Possible complications[edit | edit source]

• Aseptic meningitis (rare)
• Encephalitis (rare)
• Febrile seizure

Prevention of Roseola[edit | edit source]

The viruses that cause roseola are spread either through fecal-oral contact or via airborne droplets. Careful hand washing can help prevent the spread of these viruses.

Sources[edit | edit source]

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000968.htm

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