Roseola Health Video

Roseola infantum, or exanthem subitum, is a benign rash in young children generally following a fever. Learn more about roseola including treatment options in this medical video.

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Sponge child in lukewarm water
Drink plenty of fluids
Seek medical attention

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Dr. Susan McGladdery is a medical graduate from Oxford University in the UK and has a Master's Degree in Medical Sciences from Cambridge University. She has been a member of the Royal College of Physicians since 1991 and a member of the American Academy of Urgent Care since 2006. She trained as a Family Physician in the UK in Oxford and then in London. In a medical career that spans over 20 years, she has worked as a doctor in 5 countries on 3 continents and cared for patients from a multitude of different nationalities and backgrounds. Dr. McGladdery joined FirstMed Centers in mid 2002 and became Regional Medical Director in 2003.

DR. SUSAN L. MCGLADDERY: Hello, my name is Dr. Sue McGladdery, I'm the medical director from FirstMed Centers in Budapest, Hungary. I'd like to talk to you about roseola. Roseola or sixth disease is a viral illness in young children typically age 6 months to 2 years. Usually, there are several days of high fever and then, just as the fever breaks, a very distinctive rash appears. Usually, there are first signs of just a mild upper respiratory infection and then, the high fever starts, normally for 3 or 7 days. The child is normally kind of cranky with large glands in the neck and probably, a poor appetite. The high fever usually then stops abruptly and at this point, a pinkish red blanching rash appears on the child's trunk and spreads over the body. The rash usually spreads to the neck, face, arms, and legs, and may last hours or even a few days. The fast rising fever of roseola may trigger febrile seizures or convulsions in up to 10% of young children. Are there any ways to prevent roseola? There aren't. There is no vaccine available and repeat cases of roseola may occur but are not very common. So what can you do at home if you suspect that your child has roseola? Well, you should use acetaminophen or paracetamol, or ibuprofen to lower the child's fever, sponging with lukewarm water is also helpful. You should never use ice or cold water, alcohol rubs, or cold baths to lower your child's fever. Also, it's very important not to give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness. There's a risk of a syndrome known as Reye's syndrome which can lead to liver failure and even death. It's also very important that you watch out for dehydration due to fever and you should give your child plenty of fluids. When do you need to see your doctor? It's important that you see your doctor if your child is having a high fever and is very lethargic or unwell. Your doctor may need to order special test to make sure that the fever is not due to some other infection; perhaps something that in fact needs an antibiotic. Usually, the diagnosis of roseola only becomes clear when the fever breaks and then the rash appears. If your child has a seizure associated with fever, you do need to get help immediately and go to the emergency department.

Roseola Health Video

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