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Patient education: Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) (The Basics)

Patient education: Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) (The Basics)

What is erythema infectiosum? — Erythema infectiosum is an infection that causes a rash, fever, and other symptoms. It is caused by a virus called "human parvovirus B19." Another name for erythema infectiosum is "fifth disease."

Fifth disease is common in children. Adults can also get it. If someone who is pregnant gets fifth disease, it can be dangerous for their unborn baby, but this is rare.

What are the symptoms of fifth disease? — Many people with fifth disease have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Most people feel better in a few weeks.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

Fever

Headache

Sore throat

Itching

Cough

Upset stomach (this can include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting)

Sneezing

Conjunctivitis ("pinkeye"), which is an eye infection or irritation

Muscle aches

These first symptoms last 2 to 5 days. After that, symptoms can include:

Rash on the face – Often called a "slapped cheek" rash, this rash can make a child's cheek looks bright red, as if someone just slapped it (picture 1). The rash can be harder to see on children with dark skin.

Rash on the chest, back, arms, and legs – This usually shows up after the face rash. The rash makes a pattern that can look like lace (picture 2).

Joint pain – This usually affects the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Joint pain is more common in adults who get fifth disease. Children do not get this as often.

People often feel better by the time they get a rash. Sometimes, the rash comes back after it goes away. Sunlight, temperature changes, exercise, or stress can make it come back.

People with certain medical conditions can get sicker from fifth disease than other people. People who might get sicker include:

People who have problems with the body's infection-fighting system, called the "immune system."

People who have certain conditions that affect red blood cells, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

Is there a test for fifth disease? — A doctor or nurse can usually tell if someone has it by learning about the symptoms and doing an exam. If there is any doubt, they can order a blood test for the virus that causes fifth disease.

If you are pregnant and have symptoms of fifth disease, or are around someone who has it, tell your doctor or nurse right away. They can order a blood test to see if you have the infection.

Should children see a doctor or nurse? — If a child has an immune or blood disorder and has symptoms of fifth disease, take them to see the doctor or nurse.

You should also take the child to see a doctor or nurse if their symptoms last for more than a month.

How is fifth disease treated? — Most people with fifth disease get better without treatment. If a child has symptoms like itching or joint pain, the doctor or nurse might recommend medicine to help them feel better. For example, the doctor might recommend ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) to treat pain.

So far, doctors do not have a good medicine to treat the virus that causes fifth disease. Antibiotics do not work on fifth disease.

Can fifth disease be prevented? — You can lower your chances of getting fifth disease by not sharing food and drinks with other people, washing your hands often, and teaching children to wash their hands. The table has instructions on how to wash your hands to prevent spreading illness (table 1). Doing these things is especially important if someone in your home is sick, is pregnant, or has a weak immune system.

When can children return to school? — Most people only know they have fifth disease because they get the typical rash. By the time this happens, they are no longer contagious. Once your child is feeling better, check with the doctor or nurse if you are not sure if they can go back to school.

What if I am pregnant? — If you are pregnant and were around someone with the virus that causes fifth disease, ask your doctor or nurse about your risk of infection. If they think you might have been infected, they will order a blood test and talk to you about what to do next.

More on this topic

Patient education: Avoiding infections in pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever in children (The Basics)

Patient education: Avoiding infections in pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Jan 01, 2023.
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