Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children in which a high fever and skin rash occur.
Alternative NamesExanthem subitum; Sixth disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe disease is common in children ages 3 months to 4 years, and most common in those ages 6 months to 1 year. It is caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), although similar syndromes are possible with other viruses.
Roseola occurs throughout the year. The time between becoming infected and the beginning of symptoms (incubation period) is 5 to 15 days.
SymptomsThe child may have a runny nose, sore throat, and eye redness.
A fever usually occurs before the rash appears. It lasts for 3 (sometimes up to 7) days. The fever may be as high as 105 Fahrenheit, and it generally responds well to acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Between the second and fourth day of the illness, the fever drops and a rash appears (often as the fever falls).
Other symptoms include:
There is no specific treatment. The disease usually gets better without complications.
Take steps to control a fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) and cool sponge baths. If convulsions occur, call your health care provider, or go to the closest emergency room.
Expectations (prognosis)Most children with roseola fully recover.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if your child:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if your child has convulsions.
PreventionThe viruses that cause roseola are spread either through fecal-oral contact or via airborne droplets. Careful handwashing can help prevent the spread of these viruses.
ReferencesLeach CT. Roseola (Human Herpesviruses 6 and 7). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007: chap 253.