A child with a slapped cheek appearance looks startling, but the actual cause is probably the common viral infection called Fifth disease. However, not everyone with the disease gets the red facial rash, and there is no way to know who will or won't develop the characteristic slapped look. In most people, the disease is mild, but some at-risk groups can develop dangerous complications.
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum or slapped cheek syndrome, mainly affects children, although adults can also catch it if they have never had it before. It is a viral infection, caused by parvovirus B19, and up to 80 percent of adults have had it at some time in their lives, although most people didn't experience the red cheeks that make it recognizable, according to NHS Choices, a U.K public health website. The virus is spread through coughs and sneezes, just like the common cold. It also peaks when colds are rampant, in the late winter and early spring.
Symptoms
In most people, the parvovirus B19 virus only causes mild symptoms similar to a cold, including a fever, runny nose and body aches. Sometimes, the infected child develops a rash that starts on the cheeks and becomes bright red, giving the child the appearance of having been slapped. A pink, lacy rash also sometimes appears on the arms, legs and trunk. By the time the rashes appear, the child is no longer contagious, so outbreaks are difficult to avoid.
Treatment
In most cases, Fifth disease clears up on its own without any treatment. You can offer children's pain relief medication to your child if he complains of pain caused by the disease. Cold packs placed on the body rashes can help ease itching. Symptoms typically subside within a week and most kids experience no further complications. Some children might have a recurrence of the rash over the next few weeks when stressed or physically active.
Concerns
Children with blood disorders or compromised immunity should avoid anyone with Fifth disease, since they could develop severe symptoms. If the illness has caused a reduction in red blood cells, the patient might need a transfusion. Pregnant women that come in contact with a child that has Fifth disease should consult a doctor. If a pregnant woman contracts Fifth disease, it could cause a miscarriage due to anemia in the fetus. If the disease is caught early, the fetus can be given a blood transfusion in the womb to help prevent a miscarriage.
