Roseola

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Roseola (which is sometimes called roseola infantum) is a virus infection. It is quite common and mainly affects young children between six months and two years. It is usually a mild infection that causes no long term problems. Full recovery is usual.

What are the symptoms of roseola?

A fever (high temperature) suddenly develops. The child can be flushed, irritable, and unwell with the fever. The fever typically lasts 3-4 days and then drops quickly back to normal.
A rash appears 3-4 days after the fever starts. It typically occurs just as the fever drops to normal, and when the child is getting better. Small pink spots appear on many areas of the skin. It lasts a couple of days or so, and then goes.
A sore throat may develop, and the child may go off food.
Some glands in the neck may swell.

Roseola is often diagnosed when the child is getting better. At first the high fever may cause concern to parents and doctors if it is not clear what is causing it. Other more serious illnesses may need to be ruled out. The sudden drop in fever, and the appearance of the typical rash is reassuring. It indicates that the fever has been caused by the roseola virus and nothing more serious.

Are there any complications from roseola?

Complications from roseola are rare. Sometimes the high fever can cause a febrile convulsion (fit). This can be alarming but is usually not serious. Brain inflammation (encephalitis) and liver inflammation (hepatitis) are very rare complications.

What is the treatment for roseola?

There is no treatment that kills the virus. The aim is to keep the child comfortable, and reduce the fever until the illness goes.

Give regular paracetamol liquid (Calpol, Disprol, etc). Paracetamol reduces fever and eases aches and pains. Ibuprofen is an alternative.
Keep the child cool. If the room is warm then take all their clothes off.
Give lots of cool drinks. This helps to lower the fever and prevents dehydration.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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