select new symptom

Roseola-Viral Rash

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

Definition

Widespread fine pink rash caused by Roseola virus
Classic feature is that the rash is preceded by 3 to 5 days of high fever
The fever goes away before the rash starts
A doctor has told you that your child probably has Roseola or
Rash occurs after several days of fever. Fever gone now and your child feels fine.

Symptoms of Roseola

Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
Rash: Pink, small, flat spots on the chest and stomach. Rash is the same on both sides of the body. Then may spread to the face and arms.
Classic feature: 3 to 5 days of high fever without a rash or other symptoms.
The rash starts 12 to 24 hours after the fever goes away.
The rash lasts 1 to 3 days.
By the time the rash appears, the child feels fine.

Cause of Roseola

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6)

Viral Rashes and Drug Rashes

Prescription drugs sometimes cause widespread rashes.
Non-prescription (OTC) drugs rarely cause any rashes.
Most rashes that occur while taking an OTC drug are viral rashes.
Fever medicines (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) cause the most confusion. Reason: most viral rashes start with a fever. Hence, the child is taking a fever med when the rash starts. But, the fever med had nothing to do with the rash.
Drug rashes can't be diagnosed over the phone.

Prevention

Good hand washing can prevent spread of infection.

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

When To Call

Call 911 Now

Rash becomes purple or blood-colored with fever
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Go to ER Now

Rash becomes purple or blood-colored without fever

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Large blisters on skin
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Fever comes back
Rash becomes worse
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Rash lasts more than 4 days
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Roseola rash

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

Care Advice

What You Should Know About Roseola:

Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
It's the most common rash in this age group.
By the time they get the rash, the fever is gone. The child feels fine.
The rash is harmless and goes away on its own.
Here is some care advice that should help.

Treatment:

No treatment is needed.
Creams or medicines are not helpful.

Moisturizing Cream for Itch:

Roseola usually is not itchy. If your child's rash is itchy, here are some tips.
Use a moisturizing cream (such as Eucerin) once or twice daily.
Apply the cream after a 5 or 10-minute bath. Reason: water-soaked skin feels less itchy.
Avoid all soaps. Reason: soaps, especially bubble bath, make the skin dry and itchy.

Fever Medicine:

For fevers higher than 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
Note: fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
For all fevers: keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Note: by the time the rash occurs, the fever should be gone. If your child has both, see Rash or Redness - Widespread care guide.

What to Expect:

Roseola rash goes away in 2-3 days.
Some children with Roseola just have 3 days of fever without a rash.

Return to Child Care:

Once the fever is gone for 24 hours, the disease is no longer contagious (AAP).
Your child can return to child care or school, even if the rash is still present.
Children exposed to your child earlier may come down with Roseola in 9-10 days.

Call Your Doctor If:

Fever comes back
Rash lasts more than 4 days
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse

undefined

Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2024. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

select new symptom