A rash with joint pain is an uncommon combination of symptoms for a child, so it's understandable for parents to be concerned. Fifth disease and lyme disease can both cause these symptoms, but the appearance of the rashes are so different that it's easy to distinguish one from the other. Consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
Fifth disease is a mild illness that starts as a low-grade fever and cold-like symptoms. Once the illness disappears, a rash develops on the face that looks like a slapped cheek. The rash then extends to other areas of the body. Some children may have joint swelling or pain after fifth disease. The most common areas for joint pain are the hands, wrist, knees and ankles. Lyme disease initially begins as a small red bump that expands into a large red bulls-eye shaped rash. The symptoms that can accompany the rash are flu-like symptoms with joint pain that can occur several weeks to months after your child becomes infected.
Cause
Fifth disease is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19. The virus can be transmitted directly if your child inhales the airborne fluids of an infected person, such as through a sneeze or cough. The droplets of an infected person can also land on and contaminate an object, such as a telephone or toy. Lyme disease occurs if an infected blacklegged tick transmits the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi to your child while the tick is feeding off your child's blood. The ticks that spread lyme disease live in Northeastern, mid-Atlantic, North central and the Pacific coast of the United States. The tick usually attaches for 36 to 48 hours before the bacterium is transmitted.
Treatment
Fifth disease does not require treatment and just needs to run its course. Acetaminophen can be taken for joint pain, but consult with a doctor if the joint pain is severe or not feeling better within a couple days. Once lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test, your child's doctor will begin antibiotics. Continue antibiotics for the entire duration prescribed. Stopping antibiotics early can cause symptoms to reappear and make the bacterium more resistant and harder to treat.
Prevention
Reduce your child's risk of viral infections by having your child and family members wash their hands frequently. Keep tissues in your home and encourage your family members to sneeze and cough into the tissues. Prevent ticks from hosting on your family members by making sure everyone is wearing protective clothing and repellant containing at least 20 percent DEET. Apply repellant on your child but avoid the hands, eyes and mouth. Have your family take baths and showers upon returning home and then thoroughly check for ticks. If a tick is found, remove it with tweezers and apply antiseptic to the bite region.
