A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

ERYTHEMA INFECTIOSUM - SLAPPED CHEEK DISEASE - FIFTH DISEASE

What is Erythema Infectiosum ?

Slapped cheek syndrome is an infectious disease of children. It shows as a deep red rash on the face that may be on one side or both. It actually looks like a slap mark on the face, hence the name. Your doctor may use the medical term, which is erythema infectiosum. Another name is "fifth disease", because it is a childhood infection that is neither of the four common infective skin rashes : measles, German measles, scarlet fever or roseola. Slapped cheek syndrome affects only children. It occurs in small outbreaks. The rash will rapidly spread down the body and then fade. Most children are only very slightly unwell. They may have a fever and some get joint pains. The illness may come and go for a while, and sunlight and changes in temperature can start it off again. The incubation period is up to 14 days. When the rash appears the child is no longer infectious.

How does Erythema Infectiosum occur ?

Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by infection with a virus (a very small germ) called parvovirus B19. It spreads from person to person by coughs, sneezes, kissing and close contact. This is called "droplet spread" because the virus travels in drops of saliva. The illness will rapidly spread round schools and nurseries.

Why does Erythema Infectiosum occur ?

Viruses for various diseases live in our community all the time. The virus depends on the human host to give it a home. The infected person builds up antibodies to the virus and gets rid of it. By this time they have passed the virus has passed on to other people, and so the illness survives in the community. Most people meet the virus when they are children and develop an immunity. This is why the disease is rare in adults.

Treatment Involved for Erythema Infectiosum

There is no cure and the illness will get better by itself. Paracetemol or ibuprofen can be given for fever or aches and pains. Creams and ointments will not help the rash.

During Treatment for Erythema Infectiosum

This is a mild illness and goes away without problems in most people. Slapped cheek disease may cause problems in two situations: if a woman is infected early in pregnancy the virus may cause a miscarriage. The chances of this are less than 10% of affected pregnancies, although such infection is a rare occurrence. This infection does not result in abnormal babies being born, as in German measles. If a person with one of the blood diseases which are called haemolytic anaemias (for example, sickle cell disease and less often in thalassaemia) catches slapped cheek syndrome, the anaemia may be made suddenly worse.

After Treatment for Erythema Infectiosum

A full recovery always occurs. The only complications are those mentioned above.

If Erythema Infectiosum is Left Untreated

Nothing happens. No treatment is needed and the child will recover quickly.