Understanding Roseola

TSMH | Pediatric Series | Understanding Roseola | date：2023-01/01

What is Roseola?

It is caused by viral infection, human herpes virus type 6 is the most common, and the onset period is 6 months to 3 years old infants, but mostly occurs in infants under 1 year old. Roseola is named because of the roseate, pink rash.

Route of infection:

Roseola can occur throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn. The main route of infection is droplet infection, and the virus is often found in the saliva of healthy adults, entering the body of children through the mouth, nose, or conjunctival mucosa, leading to illness. Therefore, it is not easy to cause a large outbreak. The incubation period of roseola is usually around 5-15 days.

Symptoms:

Prodromal period

Sudden high fever (39.4~41.2°C) that lasts or fluctuates intermittently for 3-5 days. Generally, the spirits and energy of infants and young children are still good, but they may feel slightly uncomfortable and restless. They may also have mild rhinitis, pharyngitis, headaches, mild diarrhea, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or behind the ears.

Rash period

A characteristic rash appears during or after the fever subsides, usually within 24 hours. The rash starts on the trunk and spreads to the neck, face, and limbs, but is less common on the limbs. It is not itchy and appears as discrete, rose-pink spots that turn white when pressed. The rash typically fades within three days and usually does not result in peeling or pigment changes.

Key points of treatment and care

• 1. Symptomatic supportive therapy: There is no special treatment medication. The doctor will provide medication according to the patient's symptoms.
• 2. When experiencing a fever, please take antipyretics according to the doctor's instructions and provide different treatments for different stages of the fever. For example, during the chill phase, attention should be paid to keeping warm and drinking warm water appropriately; during the high fever phase, use of a water pillow, reducing the amount of bedding and maintaining air circulation is recommended; during the cooling down phase, it is important to keep the body clean and replenish adequate water. Infants and young children with a history of febrile seizures should take antipyretics as directed by the doctor to prevent convulsions.
• Keep the skin clean and apply an appropriate amount of moisturizer when dry.
• If diarrhea symptoms occur, it is recommended to eat light and small meals, such as plain porridge, toast, and apples.