Exanthem Subitum

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is exanthem subitum? Exanthem (eg-ZAN-them) subitum, also known as roseola (ro-ZE-o-lah) infantum, is an infection caused by a virus (germ). This condition is common in children two years of age and younger. It is usually caused by the human herpesvirus type 6. Your child's immune system is his body's defense system against infections and disease. In babies and children, their immune systems are still new and not that good at protecting their bodies. When germs, like viruses, enter their bodies, it may take some time for their immune system to fight off the infection. When this happens, exanthem subitum may suddenly appear, and cause signs and symptoms.

What causes exanthem subitum? Human herpesvirus, usually type 6 and occasionally type 7 cause exanthem subitum. These viruses may come from other children or adults with exanthem subitum. When they talk, cough, or sneeze, droplets that have viruses may hang in the air. When your child breathes in the air, or swallows the droplets, viruses may enter your child's body and cause exanthem subitum.

What are the signs and symptoms of exanthem subitum? Your child may have a fast rising fever that may last for 3 to 5 days. He may be fussy, feel weak, lose his appetite, throw up, have a cough, and have loose bowel movements. In some cases, your child may have seizures (convulsions) and become confused because of a high fever. Lymph nodes around his neck may get swollen and painful. After the fever disappears, small reddish spots may appear on your child's chest and belly. They are usually smaller than a penny and may be flat or appear as small bumps on his skin. They are not itchy or painful. They turn white when you press on them. The skin rash may spread to his arms, legs, neck, and face.

How is exanthem subitum diagnosed? Your child's caregiver may need a complete medical history of your child. He may need to know the health condition of your child for the past days. He may also do a complete physical exam to check for any other problems. Until your child's fever goes down and the rash appears, the diagnosis of exanthem subitum is still not that sure. Your caregiver may order other tests to make sure that the fever is not caused by other conditions. Your child may have any of the following:

• Blood tests: Your child may need blood taken for tests. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV. Blood tests can give caregivers more information about your child's health condition. Your child may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• Urine analysis: A sample of your child's urine is collected and sent to a lab for tests.

How is exanthem subitum treated? This condition usually goes away by itself, even without treatment. The fever may disappear on its own. The skin rash clears without leaving scars or marks. Your child's caregiver may give medicines to lower your child's fever and prevent convulsions (seizures). He may also give special oral liquids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids and electrolytes). Medicines to kill viruses may also be given depending on your child's condition. Your child should get plenty of rest, and stay away from other children while he is still sick.

Where can I get more information? Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
  141 Northwest Point Boulevard
  Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
  Phone: 1-847-434-4000
  Web Address: http://www.aap.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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