A Strange Children’s Illness

There is a strange children’s illness with an equally strange name – Fifth Disease. It is so named because there are five common children’s diseases which have rashes and are contagious. This disease is listed by the medical profession as the fifth because it is the least serious and least bothersome.

The medical name is erythema infectiosum but it is hardly ever used. Erythema infectiosum is caused by a parvovirus. The incubation time is from four to fourteen days after exposure to the virus.

Although it is not serious, it is very contagious. It tends to resurge in epidemic proportions in various communities from time to time and entire schools have been closed due to an outbreak of this disease.

The one and only symptom is a rash. This appears first on the cheeks and children just look as though they have been slapped across the face. The rash is fine and has a lacy appearance. The color is pink to red. It starts on the face and then spreads to the backs of arms and legs and finally to the rest of the body. Unlike other rashes, there is no itching or discomfort other than not being happy with one’s appearance.

Since it tends to come and go, you may see it one moment and then not see it the next. It can keep recurring for days or weeks. For example, it may go away and then return after exposure to a hot bath or shower. However the facial rash usually disappears in four days and the rash on the arms and legs fades away within three to seven days. There is nothing one can do to accelerate the process. Topical applications of creams or ointments have no effect.

The Fifth Disease has no complications. As there is no itching, pain or discomfort, no treatment is required. You do not need to place any restrictions on your child’s activities.

What is important however, is to make sure that the rash is the Fifth Disease and not something else. The only symptom should be the ‘slapped cheek’ appearance. Your child should not feel tired or lethargic and there should be no fever at all. The rash should not appear on the palms or soles of the feet.

If your child has a fever or if the rash does not follow the pattern described above, then there could be another problem. The doctor will not prescribe any medication nor make any laboratory tests unless another problem is suspected. The doctor will advise you to watch carefully for other signs such as fever.

In spite of the fact that Fifth Disease is not serious, it is not wise for a pregnant woman to be exposed to this disease. If your child does have it, and you, or anyone your child is near happens to be pregnant, you or they need to consult a doctor.

You also need to continue to watch your child closely and to take a temperature reading daily to be sure that the diagnosis is correct. Many doctors have problems distinguishing this rash from others.

Article Source: http://technologynetwork.info

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