Roseola is a type of viral infection that is so common that almost all children contract it before they enter kindergarten. Roseola is a viral rash caused by the human herpes virus6. This virus generally affects children ages 6 months to 4 years of age. The rash is a fine, pink rash on the trunk of the body. The rash is preceded by 2-3 days of fever. When the fever goes away, a splotchy rash often appears and spreads from the abdomen to the rest of the body.
There is no treatment necessary other than fever management. The child is contagious while with the fever and until the rash is gone usually in 1-2 days. Like just about all common childhood viral infections, it is best to keep infected children away from others while febrile or ill.
Plenty of clear fluids to drink and lukewarm sponge baths, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can all help make children with roseola more comfortable and reduce fever. Complications are rare, but could include seizures or, in children with weakened immune systems, encephalitis.
“So long as your child eats or plays fairly normally when the temperature subsides, parents don’t need to worry,” says Dr. Treadwell. “If the temperature drops, and your child continues to act ill, the illness could be serious.”
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