Roseola, a common viral illness, impacts infants and young children, leading to a fever and skin rash. Although mostly mild, recovery usually happens within a week.

Roseola is typically caused by human herpesvirus-6 or human herpesvirus-7. The infection is contagious and can spread through respiratory secretions.

Symptoms of roseola include a sudden high fever, which can be followed by a pinkish-red rash on the trunk and then spread to the arms, legs, and face. Children may also experience irritability and decreased appetite.

It is important to keep your child hydrated and comfortable during the fever. Over-the-counter medications may be used to reduce fever, but it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Most cases of roseola resolve on their own without complications. However, if your child experiences persistent high fever, seizures, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Effects on Different Age Groups

Roseola can affect older children and even adults, but it commonly strikes children before they attend daycare. Symptoms tend to manifest about a week or two post-exposure.

Initial Symptoms and Progression

Initially, children may experience a sudden spike in body temperature, along with symptoms like a sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, mild stomach upset, reduced appetite, and swollen glands or eyelids. These signs typically disappear after a few days, followed by the development of a rash.

Febrile seizures might occur but are usually harmless. The rash usually emerges after the fever subsides.

• The rash consists of pinkish-red spots beginning on the chest and is usually non-itchy
• It then spreads to the face, arms, and legs before fading within 48 hours

Distinguishing this rash from other childhood diseases can be difficult.

Home Care for Roseola

Children with roseola can usually be managed at home by ensuring they rest, stay hydrated, and receive appropriate fever relief medication if required.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most children recover within a week, making a visit to a General Practitioner unnecessary unless specific concerns arise.

• Consult a GP if symptoms persist, worsen, or in particular age-related situations
• Seek medical advice if your child has been in contact with an infected individual or has a weakened immune system
• If your child experiences difficulty breathing, persistent high fevers, dehydration, or severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately
• It is important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about their health

Handling Emergencies

In emergency situations, dial 999 if your child shows severe symptoms.

• Immediate intervention is necessary for specific indicators such as a rash that doesn’t fade or prolonged seizures
• Stay calm and assess the situation carefully before taking action
• CPR may be necessary in case of cardiac arrest, make sure you are trained in this life-saving technique
• Keep emergency contacts handy and easily accessible for quick communication

Being alert and quick to act is vital for timely intervention when required.

Remember, staying informed and prepared can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Prevention and Spread of Roseola

Roseola spreads similarly to the common cold and is not highly contagious. Practicing good hygiene can aid in preventing transmission to others.

• Following good hygiene practices and staying home when unwell are essential preventive tactics

The duration of contagiousness is uncertain but may include the period before the rash appearance.

Information Source

The details provided are sourced from the NHS website.

Seek immediate medical attention for rashes or unexplained bruises that do not fade under pressure, as this could be a sign of meningococcal disease.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE – Use the Service Finder to locate doctors, pharmacies, and other health services.

How is roseola treated?

Although there is no specific treatment for roseola, consulting a doctor is recommended for symptom management. Suggestions may include rest and adequate fluid intake to stay hydrated.
Your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics, as they are ineffective against viruses.

Other complications of roseola may include:

• Seizures: A small percentage of children with roseola may experience seizures, usually febrile seizures, which are caused by a high fever.
• Encephalitis: In rare cases, roseola can lead to inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis.
• Pneumonia: Some children with roseola may develop pneumonia, which can cause difficulty breathing and other respiratory symptoms.
• Febrile neutropenia: Roseola can cause a temporary decrease in white blood cells, known as febrile neutropenia, which can increase the risk of infection.
• Complications in immunocompromised individuals: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more severe complications from roseola.

It is important to monitor your child closely if they have roseola and seek medical attention if you notice any concerning symptoms or signs of dehydration.

Can roseola be prevented?

There is no vaccine available for roseola. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, can help reduce the spread of the virus.

Resources and support

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne offers informative fact sheets on various topics, including:
– The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby video call service, allowing face-to-face consultations with a maternal child health nurse. This service is available for free from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week, including public holidays.
– Contacting the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) where a registered nurse is available 24/7.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne provides fact sheets in multiple languages covering topics such as rashes and fever in children.

Source:

Last reviewed: September 2024

Search our site for

Looking for something specific? Use the search bar above to find what you’re looking for on our site. Whether it’s articles, products, or resources, you can easily search through our site to find the information you need. Don’t waste time scrolling through pages when you can quickly find what you need with a simple search. Try it out now!

Roseola infantum: babies and children Raising Children Network

Roseola infantum, also known as sixth disease, is a common viral infection that affects infants and young children. It is primarily caused by the human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and sometimes by human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7). The main symptoms of roseola include high fever, which can spike suddenly, followed by a pinkish-red rash that appears once the fever breaks. The rash typically starts on the trunk and spreads to the limbs, neck, and face.
Most cases of roseola are mild and resolve on their own without specific treatment. However, it is essential to monitor your child’s fever and provide them with plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you have concerns about your child’s health or if the fever persists for more than a few days, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
To learn more about roseola infantum and how to care for babies and children affected by this condition, visit the Raising Children Network website.
Find more information on the raisingchildren.net.au website

Roseola infantum – Better Health Channel

On the Better Health Channel website, you can find valuable information about roseola, including its causes, symptoms, and management. While roseola is a generally benign illness, it is essential to be aware of the common signs and know when to seek medical attention. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your child’s health.
For more detailed information on roseola and how to address this viral infection in babies and young children, visit the Better Health Channel website.
For more information, visit the Better Health Channel website

Roseola SA Health

SA Health provides comprehensive information about roseola, emphasizing the prevalence of this condition among children under the age of two. By understanding the causes and symptoms of roseola, parents and caregivers can better manage the illness and provide appropriate care for affected children. Remember that most cases of roseola are self-limiting, and the focus should be on alleviating discomfort and monitoring the child’s condition.
For additional insights into roseola and its implications for children’s health, refer to the SA Health website.
Additional information is available on the SA Health website

Common childhood rashes

In addition to roseola, children may experience various common rashes such as eczema, ringworm, and impetigo. Understanding the characteristics of these rashes, including their symptoms and treatment options, can help parents and caregivers provide appropriate care for affected children. Most childhood rashes are manageable and tend to resolve on their own with proper hygiene practices and, in some cases, medical intervention.
To learn more about different types of childhood rashes and how to address them, explore the resources available on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website.
Read more on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Disclaimer

Before visiting an external website, please note that Healthdirect Australia does not endorse the content and advertising on it. It is always important to use caution and discretion when visiting external websites, as their content may not be accurate or reliable. Make sure to verify the information provided and consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions based on the content of external websites. Your health and well-being are important, so always prioritize your safety and consult trusted sources for information.

Search our site for

You can use the search bar at the top of the page to quickly find what you’re looking for on our site. Simply enter a keyword or phrase related to the information you’re seeking and hit enter. Our search function will pull up relevant results from across our site, making it easy for you to locate the content you need. Happy searching!

Symptom checker

Concerned about your health?

Answer a few questions about your symptoms and receive advice.

24-hour reliable health advice

Our government-funded service provides approved health information and advice.

About

• How we can help
• Register your services

Discover

Resources in your language

healthdirect’s information and advice adhere to a strict clinical governance framework.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Healthdirect Australia recognizes the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia.

Support for this browser is being discontinued

Support for this browser on this site is being phased out.

• Internet Explorer 11 or older

We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. For more details, visit the links provided.
Feel free to continue browsing with this browser, but some features may not work properly.