Erythema Infectiosum

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Erythema (air-uh-THEE-muh) infectiosum (in-fek-tee-O-sum) is also called fifth disease. It is a mild infection (in-FEK-shun) that is most common in school-aged children. Your child is most likely to catch it during winter and early spring. Fifth disease can be spread from person to person. Your child may first have cold-like symptoms. Then a red face rash and lace-like body rash may appear and last up to 10 days. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent or treat fifth disease. Once your child has been infected with fifth disease, he is immune (cannot catch it again).

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the pill bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Always give your child's medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver. If your child is taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks), give them until they are all gone. Even if your child seems to feel better.
  
  
• Never give aspirin to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin.

While your child has fifth disease:

• Give your child acetaminophen (uh-c-tuh-MIN-o-fin) or ibuprofen (i-bew-PRO-fin) to treat fever or joint pain. Help your child rest if he does not feel well.
  
  
• It is usually not necessary to keep your child away from other children. Most schools allow you to send your child to school with a rash.
  
  
• Tell your child's daycare or school that your child has fifth disease.
  
  
• Children with certain health problems can get very sick if they catch fifth disease. These include children with cancer, low immunity (catch infections easily), and blood problems like sickle cell anemia. These children should see their caregiver if they catch fifth disease or have been exposed.
  
  
• Pregnant women should call their caregiver if they catch fifth disease or think they have been exposed.
  
  
• Wash your and your children's hands before preparing food for meals and before eating and drinking. Do not share cups, plates, food, or eating utensils.
  
  
• Your child's rash may get brighter and itch after being out in the sun or after exercise. Ask your child's caregiver about the best way to stop your child's itching. After your child is well, the rash may come and go for a while. It may reappear (come back for a short time) when your child is hot or cold. The rash may also reappear when something rubs or pushes against your child's skin.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• The rash becomes itchy.
  
  
• Your child has painful, swollen joints.
  
  
• Your child has new symptoms or seems to be getting worse.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child is not thinking clearly.
  
  
• Your child is difficult to wake up.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Erythema Infectiosum (Aftercare Instructions)