What should I do about baby rash?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Roseola infantum, also known as baby rose rash, is an acute contagious disease in children caused by viral infection. The characteristics of the disease include a sudden onset, with an initial fever lasting 3 to 5 days, followed by a rash after the fever subsides, usually resolving on its own. Roseola infantum is a self-limiting disease with a duration of about one week. Treatment does not shorten the recovery time but can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. Treatment measures include: 1. Rest and hydration – Encourage the child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If the child is very uncomfortable or refuses to drink, hospital treatment may be necessary. 2. Fever management – If the child is very uncomfortable due to high fever, fever-reducing medication can be taken under a doctor's guidance, according to the child's weight.

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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How to reduce fever in children with roseola

In general, infantile roseola initially presents as high fever, which is usually due to viral infection. If the fever subsides after about two days, it is similar to other common viral infections. If the fever is not very high, physical cooling methods can be used, such as sponging with warm water or taking a warm bath. Additionally, fever can be reduced with medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and it is preferable to avoid intravenous infusions for children with these medications.

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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can children with roseola be exposed to wind?

Roseola infantum is a common febrile rash disease in toddlers, primarily affecting infants under three years of age, with the general peak incidence at six to seven months. It is usually caused by a viral infection. During the period of roseola, the baby's immune system is weak. Exposure to drafts can lead to catching a cold and may coincide with other viral and bacterial infections, potentially causing discomfort such as coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, during the period of roseola, try to avoid taking the baby to crowded places or drafts, or going out in cold weather, and pay attention to caregiving. When their immunity is weak, avoid exposure to cold. Thus, it is best to keep the baby from being exposed to drafts during roseola.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What to do with baby's sudden rash?

If a child develops sudden exanthema, parents need not be overly worried, as this condition is a rash-causing disease due to herpes virus infection and it can heal on its own. Often, the child may experience high fever for three to five days, during which physical cooling techniques and oral antipyretics can be used for symptomatic treatment. It is also appropriate to ensure the child drinks plenty of water and eats nutritious food. Once the fever symptoms alleviate, scattered rose-like rashes may appear on the child's face and trunk, which can fade on their own. During this period, symptoms of indigestion or itchy skin may occur, and taking calamine for itch relief and oral probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of digestive upset. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)