Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

DESCRIPTION

• Your child has a bright red or rosy rash on both cheeks for 1 to 3 days ("slapped cheek" appearance).
• The rash on the cheeks is followed by a pink lacelike or netlike rash on the arms and legs (mainly on the thighs and upper arms).
• The "lacy" rash comes and goes several times for 1 to 3 weeks.
• Your child has a low-grade fever (less than 101ƒF, or 38.4ƒC) or no fever at all.

SIMILAR CONDITIONS

Fifth disease was so named because it was the fifth pink-red infectious rash to be described by physicians. The other four are:

Scarlet Fever

Measles

Rubella

Roseola

CAUSE

Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus B19.

EXPECTED COURSE

This is a very mild disease with either no symptoms or a slight runny nose and sore throat. The lacelike rash may come and go for 5 weeks, especially after warm baths, exercise, and sun exposure.

HOME CARE

1. Treatment for the child

   No treatment is necessary. This distinctive rash is harmless and causes no symptoms that need treatment.

2. Risk to the unborn babies of pregnant women

   If a pregnant woman is exposed to a child with Fifth disease, she should see her obstetrician. An antibody test will be done to see if the mother already had the disease and is therefore protected. If not, the pregnancy will need to be monitored closely. If she does not have antibodies against the disease, the pregnancy will need to be monitored closely. Some babies develop complications if they were infected with Fifth disease before birth. Ten percent develop severe anemia and 2% may die. Birth defects, however, are never a result of this virus.

3. Contagiousness

   Exposed children will come down with the rash in 10 to 14 days. The disease is contagious during the week before the rash begins. Therefore, exposed children should try to avoid contact with pregnant women, but that can be difficult. Once a child has the bright red or lacy rash, he is no longer considered contagious and does not need to stay home from day care or school.

4. Adults with Fifth disease

   Most adults who get Fifth disease develop just a mild pinkness of the cheeks or no rash at all. Adults develop joint pains, especially in the knees, more often than a rash. These pains may last 1 to 3 months. Taking ibuprofen usually relieves these symptoms. An arthritis workup is not necessary for joint pains that occur after exposure to Fifth disease.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

• Your child develops a fever over 102ƒ F (38.9ƒ C).
• You have other concerns or questions.