Medicines for Roseola

What it is

Roseola (sometimes called sixth disease) is a common and usually mild viral infection that mainly affects babies and young children, typically between about six months and two years of age. It is caused by a common virus and spreads through coughs, sneezes and saliva. The characteristic pattern is a sudden high fever lasting around three to five days, during which the child may otherwise seem relatively well or have mild cold-like symptoms, followed — often just as the fever settles — by a rash of small pink or red spots, usually starting on the trunk and spreading, which is not itchy or painful and fades over a few days. Because the fever comes first and the rash appears as it resolves, the diagnosis often becomes clear only once the rash appears. Occasionally, the high fever can trigger a febrile convulsion, which is frightening but usually harmless. Roseola is almost always mild and clears on its own.

How it is treated

Roseola needs no specific treatment, as it is a mild viral illness that gets better on its own, and antibiotics do not help. Care is supportive: keeping the child comfortable and well hydrated during the fever, offering plenty of fluids, and using simple measures for fever and discomfort as needed. The rash itself needs no treatment and fades on its own. Good hand hygiene reduces spread. The main things for parents to know are that the fever phase comes before the rash, that the rash appearing usually signals recovery, and to watch for signs that a child is more seriously unwell. As with any feverish child, knowing the warning signs — and that a high fever can occasionally cause a brief febrile convulsion — helps parents respond calmly. Most children recover fully within about a week.