Roseola is caused by one of several viruses, the most common of which is herpesvirus 6. It is most common in children under the age of 3 -- and it is contagious. Symptoms of roseola develop between five and 15 days after exposure to another infected individual. It is most common in the spring and fall. About 75 percent of children have developed roseola by the time they are 3 years old, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
High Fever
The first symptoms of roseola in children is a high fever that develops suddenly. It is during this stage that the child is most contagious. The fever typically last three to four days. Treat as you would any other fever. Avoid aspirin, but give acetaminophen or ibuprofen and fluids to keep your child comfortable and to control the fever.
Rash
The characteristic rash of roseola develops as the fever starts to subside. It typically develops first on the trunk and spreads to the arms and legs. On rare occasions it spreads to the face. The rash is pink and can be either flat or raised. It can last a few hours or days, and does not typically itch.
Other Symptoms
Aside from a high fever and rash, other common symptoms of roseola include irritability, fatigue, swelling around the eyes and eyelids, lack of appetite, ear infections, trouble breathing and diarrhea. There is no cure for roseola, it must simply run its course. However, treating symptoms as they develop will keep your child comfortable. Electrolyte drinks will keep a child with diarrhea or who refuses to eat hydrated. Rest helps with fatigue and irritability. Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect your child has developed an ear infection or has trouble breathing.
Complications
A high fever from roseola may trigger febrile seizures in some children. You can recognize a febrile seizure by loss of consciousness and the limbs or head and neck jerking. The child may also lose control of their bladder or bowels. Febrile seizures can last a few seconds to a few minutes. While not typically dangerous, any child that experiences a febrile seizure should be seen in the emergency room immediately. Children with weakened immune systems may experience other complications from roseola. They may develop a new case of roseola after the initial case clears up -- or develop other infections, such as encephalitis or pneumonia, as a complication of the illness.
