Can air conditioning be used for children with roseola infantum?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Exanthema subitum, also known as roseola infantum, is a common pediatric disease caused by a viral infection that results in fever and rash. When a child's temperature exceeds 38.5℃, it is necessary to administer antipyretic medication. If the temperature is below 38.5℃, physical methods to reduce the fever are sufficient.

Since the child is in a continuous state of high fever, it is acceptable to use air conditioning. Air conditioning can maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity level. The appropriate temperature and humidity can make the child more comfortable and also aid in reducing the fever. Of course, it is crucial to avoid exposing the child directly to the airflow from the air conditioner. Additionally, the air in air-conditioned rooms can be quite dry, so it is essential to ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids.

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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of roseola infantum

Roseola infantum, also known as baby measles, is caused by human herpesvirus infection, characterized by acute fever accompanied by a rash. Generally, there is no obvious trigger, and it begins with a sudden high fever, where the temperature can reach up to 39°C or even higher than 40°C. The high fever usually lasts for 3-5 days, during which some may experience fever-induced convulsions. Once the fever subsides, the rash begins to appear. Generally, the rash lasts for 1-2 days. After the rash subsides, and in the absence of complications, the condition resolves.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What is roseola infantum?

Roseola infantum is a disease characterized by a fever, followed by a rash after the fever subsides. This disease is caused by an infection with human herpesvirus type 6 or type 7. Typically, it starts with a fever lasting three to five days, which can be moderately high. Generally, a rash appears after the fever subsides, primarily on the torso but it can also spread to the limbs. The rash usually fades within about two days and leaves no scars once it has disappeared.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to determine baby rash?

Roseola infantum is a common acute exanthematous infectious disease in pediatrics, also known as baby roseola, caused by human herpesvirus types 6 and 7. To determine whether it is roseola, the main criteria are if the child is under two years old, especially infants aged 7 to 13 months, who exhibit a persistent high fever. During the fever, if the child’s fever subsides, they appear in good spirits and do not have other complications, then roseola should be highly suspected. In such cases, symptomatic treatment should be provided first, with a focus on hydration. If the temperature exceeds 38.5℃, give the child fever-reducing medication and continue to observe at home due to the persistent high fever, which lasts three to four days. Once the child’s temperature suddenly drops, carefully observe whether a rash appears on the trunk, neck, limbs, and facial area. If these symptoms are present, which match with the history of a high fever lasting three to four days followed by the appearance of a rash, the diagnosis is roseola infantum.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.