Understanding Roseola: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for Young Children

Roseola, also known as sixth disease, is a common viral infection that primarily affects children under the age of 2. While it can be concerning for parents, most children recover from roseola without any complications. In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of roseola to help you better understand this condition.

Symptoms of Roseola

After being infected with the virus that causes roseola, a child may not show any symptoms for 5 to 15 days. When symptoms do appear, they typically include:

• Sudden, high fever (over 103°F) that lasts for 3 to 7 days

• Restlessness or irritability

• Raised, spotty, reddish rash, mainly on the neck and trunk (appears after the fever subsides)

• Diarrhea

• Cough

• Droopy or swollen eyelids

Causes of Roseola

Roseola is caused by human herpesvirus 6 or, in some cases, human herpesvirus 7. These viruses remain in the child's body but usually stay inactive after the initial infection. Roseola is most common in infants and children between 6 and 24 months old.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors can usually diagnose roseola based on the characteristic symptoms: a high fever followed by a rash. In most cases, no laboratory tests are necessary. Since roseola is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective in treating the condition. Instead, doctors focus on treating the symptoms to make the child more comfortable. This may include:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever

• Rest and plenty of fluids

• Keeping the child away from others until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours

If the child develops other symptoms or becomes very sick, the doctor may order blood or urine tests to rule out other conditions.

Potential Complications

In some cases, a very high fever associated with roseola may cause seizures. If a child experiences a seizure, they may pass out briefly, and their arms and legs may jerk for several seconds or minutes. They may also lose control of their bladder and bowels. If your child has a seizure, call 911 immediately. Fortunately, most seizures in young children are short-lived and do not cause lasting harm.

For more information on roseola and other childhood illnesses, consult the following reputable sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Mayo Clinic - Roseola

• KidsHealth - Roseola