HWN Suggests

Slapped Cheek Disease: Symptoms To Recognise And Treatment

A nasty name... but usually a mild illness. For some, however, slapped cheek disease can pose more serious risks.

What is it?

Slapped cheek disease is a virus which causes a very distinctive red rash – it literally makes your child look like they have been slapped on the face.

Sometimes known as fifth disease (because it's one of five viruses which cause a red rash, the others being measles, rubella, roseola and scarlet fever), slapped cheek disease most commonly affects children between the ages of three and 15, although babies can get it too, and so can adults can if they have not been exposed to it before. Passed around via coughs…

read full article

Featured

  Parvovirus B19

Fifth disease is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is more common in children than adults. A person usually gets sick with fifth disease within 14 days after getting infected with parvovirus B19. This disease, also called erythema infectiosum, got its name because it was fifth in a list of historical classifications of common skin rash illnesses in children. Some people may get a second rash a few days later on their chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs. The rash may be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet.

 What to Know About Parvovirus B19, a Respiratory Virus on the Rise

There’s no routine surveillance for parvovirus in the U.S., but several indicators suggest the virus is spreading widely right now, the CDC says. Doctors have reported unusual numbers of parvovirus-related complications among two high-risk populations: pregnant people and patients with blood diseases.

 What To Know If Your Child Has That ‘Slapped Cheek’ Rash

The doctor said we could come in if needed, but it was probably just fifth disease – or, “erythema infectiosum,” as the doctor referred to it. No complications, nothing to worry about. If no fever, you can even send him to school, the doctor said.

Articles of Interest

How slapped cheek syndrome hurts your baby – and what to do if they catch it

Slapped cheek syndrome isn't a serious illness, but it isn't very nice, so here's what to do if your little one gets unwell.

Slapped Cheek Syndrome - Information for Parents

The third stage of symptoms usually begins one to four days after the appearance of the "slapped cheek" rash. During this stage, the rash will usually spread to your child’s chest, stomach, arms and thighs. The rash usually has a raised, lace-like appearance and may cause discomfort and itching. By this time your child should no longer be infectious and they will be able to return to school without the risk of passing the infection to others

‘Slapped cheek’ syndrome: a common rash in kids, more sinister in pregnant women

Now that rubella and measles are rare in countries with widespread immunisation, erythema infectiosum is the commonest cause of infectious childhood rash.

Resources

Harvard Health

Sometimes, fifth disease does not cause any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include mild cold symptoms (stuffy nose, runny nose, slight fever), body aches, headache and fatigue. These symptoms pass after three or four days and are followed primarily in children by a rash that is bright red and usually begins on the cheeks (the "slapped cheek" rash). This facial rash is followed by a lacy, flat rash that appears on the arms, legs, trunk and buttocks. The blotchy rash may itch, and it may last from several days to several weeks before it fades.

KidsHealth

The bright red rash usually starts on the face. Then, red blotches (usually lighter in color) appear on the trunk, arms, and legs. After a few days, the rash, which can be itchy, takes on a lacy net-like look.

NHS

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease) is common in children and should clear up on its own within 3 weeks. It's rarer in adults, but can be more serious.

PediatricWeb.com

Fifth Disease is caused by human parvovirus B19, a DNA virus in the parvovirus family of viruses. This is the only virus in this family that causes disease in humans.