Roseola is a common childhood virus usually affecting children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. It can affect teens and adults, but that is very rare. It is also known as the sixth disease, exanthem subitum, and roseola infantum. It usually begins with 3 to 5 days of high fever followed by a rash when the fever breaks. The rash is either a pinkish-red flat rash or a slightly raised bumpy rash. The rash starts on the torso and can then spread over the neck, face, arms, and legs. It is viral, so there is no cure and the symptoms can only be treated.
The virus that typically causes roseola is human herpesviris 6 (HHV-6) and less typically human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). It is spread person to person by oral secretions, and is not highly contagious. The incubation period is 9 to 10 days from the initial exposure to the onset of symptoms.
Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the age of the patient. Infants and toddlers typically will have a sudden onset of a high fever of about 103 F, but can go as high as 106 F. They may also be irritable, have swollen glands in the front or back of the neck, have a runny nose, and mild diarrhea. Older children are not likely to develop the rash that infants and toddlers develop.
Treating roseola is basically keeping the patient as comfortable as possible. If the child is not showing any signs of discomfort then it is not recommended that the fever be treated. However, acetaminophen can be administered if the child is uncomfortable. A lukewarm bath can also be given. Make sure not to overdress the child as that can raise the body temperature. The rash that appears after the fever abates is not contagious, and does not itch or hurt the child.