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
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.