Roseola

It's April, and flu season (for the most part) is behind us.  Starting in the Spring and Summer, another family of viruses visit us causing fevers and rashes, particularly in younger children.  Most of these viruses belong to a larger group called Enteroviruses,  though Roseola belongs to the herpes virus family.

Roseola, also called Exantema subitum, "Sixth's disease" or "Three day fever", typically affects children under the age of two.  Roseola is caused by two human herpes viruses (predominantly HHV-6, and sometimes HHV-7) - these are not the herpes viruses that cause fever blisters or genital herpes.  

Infection with Roseola viruses tends to occur more often in children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.  The infection begins with a sudden fever, which can be quite high (102-104 degrees).  The abrupt rise in body temperature may cause a febrile seizure, but in most cases, the children otherwise appear normal, with no other associated symptoms.  After a few days of daily fever (classically 5 days), the fever subsides THEN a red or pink bumpy rash develops.  The rash begins on the trunk, may be more noticeable after a bath, and then spreads to the arms and legs.   The rash is not itchy and may last several days.

Roseola is self-limited, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment is necessary.  Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen may be used to decrease your child's fever, and you should make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids. 

Here are pictures of the typical Roseola rash on the trunk: