Exanthem subitum; Sixth disease

The child may have a runny nose, sore throat, and eye redness.

A fever usually occurs before the rash appears. It lasts for 3 (sometimes up to 7) days. The fever may be as high as 105° Fahrenheit, and it generally responds well to acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Between the second and fourth day of the illness, the fever drops and a rash appears (often as the fever falls).

• The rash starts on the trunk and spreads to the limbs, neck, and face. The rash is pink or rose-colored, and has fairly small sores that are slightly raised.
• The rash lasts from a few hours to 2 - 3 days. It usually does not itch.

Other symptoms include:

• Irritability
• High fever that comes on quickly

• Physical exam of rash
• Swollen lymph nodes on the neck (cervical nodes) or back of the scalp (occipital nodes)

Images

Temperature measurement

Roseola

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Roseola Treatment

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)