Viral exhanthem, also known as viral skin rashes, are common among children of all ages. A viral rash may or may not be contagious; those that are contagious are spread through the air or by direct contact. Childhood immunization has decreased the occurrence and spread of several contagious skin rashes among children. Viral rashes require medical diagnosis. If you suspect that your child has a viral rash, consult your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Fifth Disease
Caused by the human parvovirus, fifth disease occurs mostly during the winter and spring in children between the ages of 5 and 14. Fifth disease is spread through direct contact and, at times, through infected blood. The primary symptom of fifth disease is a bright red rash that starts on the cheeks and eventually spreads to the arms, legs and trunk of the body. Other symptoms of fifth disease include headache, fever, sore throat and red eyes. According to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, fifths disease lasts approximately two to four days and may reappear if your child is in bright sunlight or is exposed to extremely cold or hot temperatures. While there is no cure for fifth disease, you should treat the symptoms of the disease by increasing fluids and give your child acetaminophen, not aspirin, if fever is present.
Roseola
According to the Mayo Clinic, roseola is commonly caused by the human herpes virus 6, but may also be caused by the human herpes virus 7. Roseola occurs throughout the year and is spread by coming into contact with body secretions. Symptoms of roseola include the sudden development of a high fever, runny nose, slight sore throat and swollen nodes. Once the fever lowers, your child may develop a rash over their chest, back, neck, arms and abdomen. The rash is pink and may be flat or slightly raised, is not itchy and may last from a few hours to several days. Treat symptoms of roseola with acetaminophen and increase your child's fluid intake. Speak to your pediatrician if your child runs a fever higher than 103 degrees or if the rash doesn't improve within three days.
Rubella
Commonly known as German measles, rubella is caused by Rubivirus. Rubella normally occurs during the winter and spring and is spread by bodily fluids. Pregnant women who've been in contact with someone with rubella may suffer a miscarriage or they can pass the disease to their unborn baby, which may lead to birth defects in the child. Signs of rubella are mild and often begin with a low-grade fever, stuffy or runny nose, red eyes and a pink rash that first appears on the face before spreading to the trunk, arms and legs. The rash normally fades in three to five days. There is no cure for rubella but rest, proper doses of acetaminophen, not aspirin, and increased liquid intake helps ease the symptoms of the virus.
