What are the symptoms of roseola infantum?

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
00:00
00:00

Roseola infantum commonly occurs in infants under one year old, caused by human herpesvirus type 6 infection. It typically presents with very high fever, with temperatures often reaching 39-40 degrees Celsius, and throat congestion. However, the patient generally remains in good condition without obvious symptoms of infection or poisoning. Blood tests are generally normal, indicating a viral infection. Symptomatic treatment is given, and about three to five days later, the temperature abruptly drops. One to two days after the temperature returns to normal, a red, rose-like rash appears, primarily on the head, face, and trunk, consistent with the clinical manifestations of rash following the resolution of the fever.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Hui
Pediatrics
40sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
47sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 22sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What should I do about baby rash?

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.