Erythema Infectiosum |
| |
DESCRIPTION
|
|
Erythema (air-uh-THEE-ma) infectiosum (in-fek-tee-OH-sum), also called Fifth disease, is an infection that mostly occurs in children. It usually starts with a rash on the face that spreads to other parts of the body. In most cases, it is mild and lasts for 5 to 10 days, although it can sometimes come and go for up to 5 weeks. It goes away by itself without care.
|
|
CAUSES
|
|
The problem is caused by a virus. It occurs most often during the spring. A pregnant woman who gets this infection can pass it on to her unborn child.
|
|
SYMPTOMS
|
|
The first sign of the infection is a rash on the face that looks like the child has been slapped. After 1 or 2 days, the rash spreads to other parts of the body. The child may also have flu or cold symptoms such as a low fever, headache, runny nose, pain in the joints, sore throat, and cough. Some children get an upset stomach or may throw up. The rash may get brighter and itch after the child has been out in the sun and following exercise or a warm bath.
|
|
CARE
|
|
There is no cure, and the symptoms usually go away on their own after about a week.
|
|
|