How does roseola occur?
The disease begins acutely: the temperature rises to 39–40 °C and usually lasts for three days, rarely up to five. At the same time, the throat is clear, there is no runny nose or cough or they are minimal, and the child plays and behaves quite actively between rises in temperature. The temperature then drops, often over several hours, and almost immediately a small, pink, blotchy rash appears on the torso and neck, which may spread to the face and limbs. The rash does not itch, does not peel and disappears in 1–3 days without a trace.
- Incubation period is about 1–2 weeks
- Three days of high fever without catarrhal symptoms
- Sometimes - enlarged occipital lymph nodes
- Rapid drop in temperature
- Pink, blotchy rash on the torso and neck
- The rash turns pale when pressed
- Disappearance of the rash in 1–3 days
How is roseola different from other rashes?
The main distinguishing feature is the sequence: first three days of high fever, then a rash against the background of a normal temperature. With measles, the rash appears at the height of the fever, there is a pronounced cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, and the elements merge and then peel off. With rubella, the rash appears immediately, the temperature is low, and the posterior cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. Parents often confuse an allergic rash after antipyretics or antibiotics with roseola; The time of appearance and the nature of the elements helps to distinguish, so it is important to show the child to the doctor.
- Roseola - rash after a drop in temperature
- Measles - rash at high fever, cough and conjunctivitis
- Rubella - enlarged posterior cervical lymph nodes
- Scarlet fever - rough rash, sore throat, pale nasolabial triangle
- Allergy - connection with taking medication, often itching
- Meningococcal infection - the rash does not turn pale when pressed
Febrile seizures
Roseola is one of the common causes of febrile seizures in young children because the temperature rises quickly and high. The attack frightens parents, but in the vast majority of cases it is short-lived and does not damage the brain. During convulsions, the child is placed on his side on a flat surface, dangerous objects are removed, nothing is put in the mouth and no attempt is made to unclench his teeth, and the time is noted. After the child’s first seizure in his life, he must be examined by a doctor, and in case of prolonged convulsions, 103 is called.
- Lay the child on his side on a flat surface
- Remove dangerous objects, loosen tight clothing
- Do not put anything in your mouth or hold it by force.
- Record the duration of the attack
- Call 103 for seizures longer than a few minutes
- After the first attack - a mandatory examination by a doctor
Diagnostics
In typical cases, the diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture in hindsight, when the characteristic rash appears. Special tests for herpes virus type 6 are usually not needed and do not affect treatment. However, in the first days, while there is only a high temperature without a focus, the doctor may order a complete blood count, urine test, and C-reactive protein, so as not to miss a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or bacterial inflammation. An examination by a pediatrician these days is more important than any tests.
- Examination by a pediatrician for fever without a focus
- General blood test
- General urine test
- C-reactive protein
- Serological tests for HHV-6 are not usually required
- Re-inspection while maintaining temperature
Treatment and care
There is no specific treatment and is not required. The task of parents is to provide the child with comfort: cool air in the room, light clothing, free access to drink. Antipyretics are given based not only on the thermometer numbers, but also on the child’s well-being, in a dosage based on age and weight, which is determined by the doctor. Antibiotics for roseola are useless since the disease is viral. There is no need to treat the rash with anything: it does not itch and goes away on its own. You can bathe your child.
- Drink plenty of small portions
- Cool, ventilated air and light clothing
- Antipyretics according to age and well-being
- Do not rub your child with alcohol and vinegar
- Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections
- The rash does not require ointments or treatment
- Repeat visit to the doctor if it gets worse