What age do children typically get roseola?

Written by Gong Hui
Pediatrics
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Exanthem subitum in infants is a viral infectious disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 and type 7. Newborns initially acquire protective antibodies from their mothers. Generally, after five to six months, as antibody levels decrease, the likelihood of contracting a virus such as human herpesvirus increases. The peak age for contracting exanthem subitum is between six months and two years, although this can vary. Children aged three to four, who have not contracted exanthem subitum or the human herpesvirus before the age of two, can still contract the disease.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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 Gong Hui
Pediatrics
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What age do children typically get roseola?

Exanthem subitum in infants is a viral infectious disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 and type 7. Newborns initially acquire protective antibodies from their mothers. Generally, after five to six months, as antibody levels decrease, the likelihood of contracting a virus such as human herpesvirus increases. The peak age for contracting exanthem subitum is between six months and two years, although this can vary. Children aged three to four, who have not contracted exanthem subitum or the human herpesvirus before the age of two, can still contract the disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Do infants with roseola feel itchy?

Toddler rash, also known as roseola infantum, is a common acute febrile rash skin disease in infants and young children. It is characterized by a sudden drop in body temperature after high fever for 3-5 days in infants and young children under three years of age, accompanied by the appearance of rose-red maculopapular rashes. The distinctive feature of these rashes appears concurrently with the subsidence of the fever or after the fever has subsided, mainly concentrated on the trunk, head, and neck, with fewer occurrences on the limbs. There are usually no rashes below the elbows and knees or on the palms and soles. The rash fills up within 24 hours, and starts to fade 1-2 days later without leaving any pigmentation or scaling. The rash in toddler exanthem does not cause significant itching, and does not leave pigmentation or scaling after it subsides. Therefore, during the rash period of toddler exanthem, if the child is crying and restless, it may be related to the high fever. Parents should generally avoid scratching the rash for the baby to prevent skin damage and secondary bacterial infections.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How many days does the rash usually subside in young children with sudden onset?

How many days does it take for infantile roseola to fade? Typically, infants with roseola may experience a fever for three to five days, followed by the appearance of the rash, which usually lasts about three days. After the rash fully emerges, it will gradually fade away. Therefore, the rash from infantile roseola might appear as red, rose-like rashes, spreading across various parts of the body. It usually starts to subside slowly after 2 to 3 days, leaving no marks or skin scars. Unlike measles, where the skin can feel rough, pitted, or flaky after the rash subsides, the skin surface after recovering from roseola is very smooth, leaving no traces.