Roseola Rash - Symptoms na Identification

Roseola Rash appears in children, mostly between three months to four years old, that have a fever-triggered virus. Roseola has a slow incubation period and may not be immediately noticeable. In fact, the rash may appear up to one week after the fever has dissipated.

Identifying the Rash

Roseola Rash develops after a prolonged high fever that can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The rash is temporary and will slowly fade as the child’s fever drops. It will look pink at first, but darkens over time. The most common place to see this symptom is across the child’s torso, followed by the arms, the legs and the neck. The rash may also appear on the face. Besides skin discoloration, small sores will appear in the rash, and temporary halos will appear around the sores if they are pressed. It doesn’t itch, but the rash can make the child more irritable.

Accompanying Symptoms of Roseola Rush

Besides the obvious changes in the skin, you can expect to see a few of these accompanying symptoms:
Swollen lymph nodes: Expect swollen lymph nodes on the back of the child’s head and neck. These may swell noticeably, or they may not be visible at all.Runny nose: Due to the high fever, an infant’s nose my produce a clear discharge. A runny nose is a mechanism the body uses to modify its internal temperature.Coughing: Roseola may cause coughing or hacking.Earaches: Pain in the ears and other sinus pain often accompany the rash.Diarrhea: High temperature may trigger diarrhea. This is concerning for caregivers, because children can dehydrate after a short time.Vomiting: Also a side effect of the high fever, vomiting is a common symptom.

The most dangerous symptom of this disease is the high fever. Extremely high fevers may make little ones lethargic and sleepy. Call your child's pediatrician if this occurs, or take your infant to the emergency room. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

More About Roseola

Other names for roseola are Exanthema subitum and Sixth disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, the looks much like the measles rash. Some extreme complications can occur with this common childhood disease, including Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. The most common complication is febrile seizures, or convulsions triggered by the high fever. There is no specific treatment plan for roseola; most doctors focus on keeping the temperature down and keeping the child hydrated. Sixth disease is contagious, but only during the first few days of infection. Once the rash appears, it is likely that the child is no longer infected. Pediatricians often release a child back to school once the fever breaks.

Your Child and Roseola

No one wants to see their child sick, especially with a high fever or noticeable rash. The best way to care for your child's is to curb the fever with acetominophen or ibuprofen. It is not recommended that you give aspirin to children who have a virus, as this can cause Reye syndrome (a rare condition that may cause damage to the brain and liver). A lightly cool or lukewarm cloth on the skin will provide comfort, but don't shock your child with anything icy cold. Avoid putting alcohol on the rash. Instead, use soft cotton clothing and keep the room temperature cool. Clear sodas that have gone flat are good drinks for kids withe roseola. Focus on healing with a combination of patience, a gentle touch and the right treatment.