Roseola (Sixth Disease) in Infants

Roseola, also known as sixth disease, is caused by a virus and is generally considered to be a mild illness. It is common in infants and children, most likely to occur between six months and two years of age. It is closely related to herpes. For a baby, it can result in great fussiness for several days, then passes.

Symptoms of roseola include a high fever, rash and respiratory infection. The fever usually appears suddenly and without warning, often reaching higher than 103 degrees F. The fever will last up to a week and will be followed by a rash. Beginning on the child's torso, this red, patchy rash will soon spread to the rest of the body. However, this rash will not be itchy to the child and will subside in several days. Accompanying the fever and rash may be an upper respiratory infection, sore throat, and runny nose.

Although roseola is considered to be a minor illness, a high fever can cause febrile seizures. One in ten children with roseola will experience said seizures, so they are considered fairly common. Symptoms include twitching, shaking, and unconsciousness. Most febrile seizures last for a minute or two. Although frightening for the parents, they aren't commonly harmful and haven't been linked to brain damage.

Since roseola is a virus, antibiotics are useless to combat it. The best treatment will be trying to keep the fever down until the first phase passes. Tylenol is the safest fever reducer on the market. Also, lukewarm baths can help bring down the fever. Your doctor may approve use of ibuprofen for the fever, should the Tylenol be ineffective.

Roseola is a very common illness. It is estimated that most children will have it before the age of four. However, it is unlikely to be contracted before three months old. Like chickenpox, the virus will stay in the body, dormant, and it is possible for it to reactivate. However, this rarely occurs. Should a high fever occur in your child, no matter what the symptoms, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. Never diagnose your child yourself.