How many days does the rash usually subside in young children with sudden onset?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 19, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 15sec home-news-image

Causes of roseola in infants

Roseola infantum, also known as baby rose rash, is a common acute exanthematous infectious disease in infants and young children aged between six months and two years. Its main characteristic is high fever lasting 3 to 4 days, followed by a rash as the fever subsides. The viruses responsible for roseola are Human Herpesvirus 6 and 7, but other viruses such as Enterovirus 16, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza can also cause this condition. In this case, only symptomatic treatment is required; there is no need for antibiotics or similar medications. It is also essential to ensure that the child drinks plenty of water. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medication should be administered. Generally, within the first 3 days of the illness, isolation of peripheral blood lymphocytes and saliva can detect viral antigens and genes, assisting in the diagnosis of roseola infantum. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
44sec home-news-image

What should be paid attention to regarding breastfeeding for children with roseola?

Roseola infantum, also known as exanthem subitum, is an acute febrile infectious disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or type 7. The main clinical manifestation is a sudden high fever that typically resolves after 3 to 5 days, followed by a rash. The rash, usually a skin rash, dissipates after about 2 days. If the child is breastfed, breastfeeding can continue. However, since it is a viral infection causing the fever and rash, the mother should consume a light and easily digestible diet to avoid burdening the baby's gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it is beneficial for the baby to drink plenty of warm water to aid in recovery from the illness.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
48sec home-news-image

Can children with roseola be exposed to wind?

Pediatric emergency care for young children involves dealing with acute viral infections causing feverish illnesses, where the fever can persist for 3 to 5 days. During this period, if going outside, it's important to keep warm to prevent further worsening of cold symptoms. Therefore, appropriate protective measures should be taken when going out. As for exposure to the wind, a slight breeze isn't usually a major issue, especially after the body temperature has peaked - a bit of wind is generally harmless. However, during the rising phase of body temperature when the hands and feet are cold, exposure to wind can cause the baby to experience further symptoms of cold aversion, which is detrimental to the baby. Therefore, it is still important to take protective measures and avoid wind exposure as much as possible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 23sec home-news-image

What to do with infantile sudden rash

Infantile roseola is a common febrile rash disease in infants and young children, primarily caused by viral infections. The main typical symptoms are high fever, usually around 40 degrees Celsius, followed by a fever lasting three to five days. When the fever subsides, a rash appears simultaneously or afterwards, persisting for 2-3 days before gradually fading. Some children may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or convulsions during high fever. Therefore, the treatment for infantile roseola is generally symptomatic. During high fever, physical cooling is applied, and appropriate antipyretics are used to prevent febrile convulsions. It is important to ensure adequate hydration and provide easily digestible food. Appropriate heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines or patent medicines can also be given. If convulsions occur, it is urgent to seek medical attention, and doctors can administer suitable sedatives and antispasmodic medications based on the child's condition. Other symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea, should be treated with appropriate antidiarrheals or digestive aids as needed, to help alleviate discomfort in the child.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
48sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of roseola infantum?

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.