Fifth's
Disease
DEFINITION:
A viral illness with characteristic skin manifestations. Also
called Erythema Infectiosum.
SYMPTOMS:
Fever,
headache, cold symptoms, followed by a characteristic red
rash on the face. The rash looks like slapped cheeks. The
rash then progresses to the body, with a lacy appearance.
CAUSES:
A
virus called Parvovirus B 19.
DIAGNOSIS:
The
diagnosis is made by the clinical symptoms.
CONTAGION:
This
illness is contagious until the rash appears.
TREATMENT:
No
treatment other than rest, fluids and fever medications.
OUTCOME:
Excellent.
DISCUSSION:
Fifth's
Disease is called Fifth's Disease because it was the fifth
described rash in children after rubella,
measles, scarlet
fever, Filatou-Duke's disease (or atypical scarlet fever)
and roseola. After exposure
to respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing) the virus incubates
for 1 to 4 weeks. After cold symptoms, a slapped cheek appearing
rash develops on the face, followed by a red streaky, lacy
rash on the trunk. There are no spots on the palms or soles.
This can last up to 3 weeks. Complications include joint pain
and a short-lived anemia. Once the rash appears, the child
is not contagious.
ONE
DOCTOR'S OPINION:
This
is a harmless viral rash that should cause no problems. The
diagnosis of Fifth's Disease should be a relief.
