Roseola

Roseola is an illness that is most common in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. However, it can occur at any age and is believed to be caused by a strain of the human herpes virus. Roseola is generally a mild illness. It is spread from person to person, but it is not known how.

The first symptom of roseola is a high fever of 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 to 40.6 degrees Centigrade) that lasts 2 to 4 days. Even with a high fever, the child is typically not severely ill. Usually by the next day, the fever goes down and the rash of roseola appears. The rash first appears on the trunk of the body and may spread to the arms, face and neck. It usually lasts from a few hours to 2 days. Roseola is contagious until the rash is gone. However, some children who have roseola never develop a rash at all. Children exposed to Roseola may come down with it in about 12 days.

Characteristics of a roseola rash are:

• tiny, pink, flat or slightly raised spots
• mild itchiness (if any) and
• the rash disappears when pressed with a finger or hand

Other symptoms of roseola include a mild runny nose, puffy eyes, mild sore throat that looks and feels swollen, and swollen glands in the neck and behind the ears. Call your healthcare provider for advice if the rash lasts longer than 3 days, becomes severely itchy or your child complains of ear pain or is tugging at the ear.

Most roseola cases can be treated at home and do not require a trip to the doctor. Just as in the common cold, there is no cure for the roseola virus. Treatment controls the symptoms of roseola, especially the fever, which usually begins suddenly and stays high. Home treatment includes drinking plenty of clear fluids, rest, and giving the child an aspirin substitute (like children's Tylenol or Panadol), if the child is uncomfortable. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Sometimes the rash of roseola may be confused with a rash of a more serious illness. Call your provider immediately if your child develops any of the following symptoms:

• convulsions or seizures
• severe drowsiness
• confusion
• severe headache or a headache with stiff neck or
• if the rash turns to small purple or blood-colored spots

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4740.RF2 VRS# 4740 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.