Fifth Disease
Fifth Disease: Understanding the "Slap Cheek" Rash
Have you ever heard of fifth disease? Don't worry if you haven't! It's a common and usually mild viral illness, especially in kids. You might also hear it called "slap cheek" disease because of the bright red rash that appears on the cheeks. Let's dive in and learn more about it!
What Exactly is Fifth Disease?
Fifth disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. It's one of those classic childhood illnesses that causes a rash. The name "fifth disease" comes from being the fifth childhood rash-causing illness to be discovered. The other name, erythema infectiosum (infectious red rash) is a bit misleading, because kids are contagious before the rash appears, not after!
Who's at Risk?
Fifth disease is most common in school-aged children (5-14 years old), but younger kids, parents, and teachers can get it too. The good news is that about half of all adults have already had it and are immune.
Important Note for Pregnant Women: If you're pregnant and think you've been exposed to fifth disease, chat with your doctor. While most babies do fine even if their mothers get fifth disease during pregnancy, close monitoring and sometimes treatment are needed.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms usually show up 4 to 14 days after exposure. Kids might feel a little under the weather with:
Headaches
Low-grade fever
Muscle aches
Tiredness
These symptoms are usually mild and only last for a couple of days. This is when they're contagious!
After this initial phase, there's usually a symptom-free week before the telltale rash appears. The rash typically goes through three stages:
"Slap Cheek": Bright red cheeks, most noticeable when going from cool to warm environments.
Body Rash: A less intense rash appears on the trunk, buttocks, and limbs, spreading downwards but not reaching the palms or soles. It often has a lacy pattern.
Fluctuating Rash: This stage can last for a week or even a month! The rash can seem to disappear and then reappear, especially with temperature changes (like after a bath).
Is it Contagious?
Yes, fifth disease is contagious before the rash appears. Once the rash is visible, the person is no longer considered contagious.
How Long Does it Last?
See the 'symptoms' section above for the typical timeline.
How is it Diagnosed?
Usually, a doctor can diagnose fifth disease based on the symptoms and a physical exam, especially if there's an outbreak in the community. Sometimes, it can look like other conditions, so blood tests can be done if needed.
How is it Treated?
There's no specific treatment for fifth disease. If the rash is itchy or the joints ache, oatmeal baths or acetaminophen can help. Most kids recover completely on their own, unless they have an underlying blood disease or immune deficiency.
How Can I Prevent it?
Fifth disease outbreaks are most common in winter and spring. It's spread through respiratory droplets, so frequent hand washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread.
In a Nutshell
Fifth disease, or "slap cheek," is a common and usually mild viral illness. While the rash can look alarming, most kids recover quickly with no lasting problems. If you have any concerns, always check with the midwife!
