Posted by NHS Choices on April 19, 2017 · Leave a Comment
In this video Dr. Rob Hicks, a general practitioner (GP) or family physician, briefly describes Fifth Disease or “Slapped Cheek Syndrome,” and how you can tell this rash apart from other more concerning illnesses.
Editor’s Note: Video Highlights
Fifth Disease – or “slapped cheek syndrome” is a viral infection, caused by the virus, parvovirus B19- It is spread in the air when we cough or laugh, when we sneeze, or in saliva and air droplets when we’re in close contact
- It is most commonly children who get it – usually between the age of four and 12 – and can spread very rapidly throughout a classroom or school
- The symptoms to look out for are generally those of a common cold,so sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever.
- But the characteristic of this infection is the rash – the blotchy red rash on one or both cheeks that gives the slapped cheek appearance
- The rash can remain on the face, but could spread to the rest of the body,including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
- Generally, it’s not painful but it might be irritating for some
- Unlike the worrying rash of meningitis, if you press this rash it will fade
- Symptoms are often mild and parents should follow the usual management of any viral infection,
- Plenty of rest and plenty of fluids
- For sore throats or a high temperature children’s paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen is perfectly reasonable
- If you’re not sure have a word with a pharmacist or with your doctor
- The people who need to be concerned are pregnant women – if you get the infection in early pregnancy and you’ve not had it before it can increase the risk of miscarriage
