What is it?
Erythema infectiosum is a disease caused by a virus and is common in childhood. It is also called the fifth disease or slapped cheek disease.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of erythema infectiosum include:
- A rash, particular on the cheeks. The rash typically comes a few days after the other symptoms have started.
- Fever.
- Coughing.
- Blocked nose.
- Headache.
What to expect?
Other things you can do when your child has erythema infectiosum:
- Increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
- Painkillers such as paracetamol may relieve pain and fever.
- Erythema infectiosum is dangerous for pregnant woman as it can harm the unborn baby. Avoid contact with pregnant woman and consider informing all pregnant woman you have been in contact with that you have rubella.