AllKids Pediatric Urgent Care believes in educating parents and families about the illnesses common in kids. Today, let’s learn about Roseola, its symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent it. Roseola, commonly known as sixth disease, is a viral illness that affects young kids between 6 months and 2 years old.
Symptoms of Roseola Most children with roseola develop a mild upper mild upper respiratory illness, followed by a high fever (often higher than 103°F) for up to a week. During this time, a child might be fussy or irritable, not eat as much as usual, and may have swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck. The high fever often ends abruptly, and at about the same time a pinkish-red flat or raised rash starts on the trunk. The rash’s spots turn white when touched, and individual spots may have a lighter “halo” around them. The rash usually spreads to the neck, face, arms, and legs.
Prevent Roseola Roseola is contagious as the infection spreads when a child talks, sneezes, or coughs sending tiny droplets into the air that others can breathe in. There is no known way to prevent roseola, but because it affects young kids rather than adults it’s thought that a bout of roseola in childhood may provide some lasting immunity to the illness. Repeat cases of roseola can happen, but are uncommon.
How to Treat Roseola The fever of roseola lasts from 3 to 7 days, followed by the rash lasting from a few hours to a few days. Roseola usually does not require professional treatment. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) can help to ease your child’s fever. To prevent dehydration, encourage your child to drink clear fluids such as water with ice chips and children’s electrolyte solutions.
When to Call the Doctor Call your pediatrician or visit a Pediatric Urgent Care if your child is lethargic, has a fever greater than 103°F, the rash doesn’t improve after three days, or the fever lasts more than seven days. If your child has a seizure, seek emergency care immediately.
Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care and Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care
AllKids Urgent Care believes that all kids deserve the best. Both our Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care and our Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care are open from noon to 10 pm daily, including holidays, so we are available when kids (and parents) need us most. For more information on our pediatric urgent care clinics, click here for more information.