Fifth Disease-Viral Rash

Is this your child's symptom?

• Viral rash that starts with red cheeks and spreads to the shoulders

If NOT, try one of these:

• Rash or Redness - Widespread

Symptoms of Fifth Disease

• Bright red cheeks on both sides for 1 to 3 days. Looks like "slapped cheeks".
• Followed by pink "lace-like" (net-like) rash of arms and legs.
• "Lacy" rash mainly is on thighs and upper arms/shoulders.
• Rash also is on chest and stomach in 50% of children.
• The rash does not itch or hurt.
• No fever or low-grade one less than 102° F (39° C).
• Peak age: 4 -12 years.

Cause of Fifth Disease

• It is caused by the human parvovirus B19.
• Not related to the dog parvovirus.

Prevent Spread to Others

• Good hand washing can prevent spread of this illness.
• Once the rash occurs, the child can no longer spread the virus.

When to Call for Fifth Disease-Viral Rash

Care Advice for Fifth Disease

1. What You Should Know About Fifth Disease:
   • It is a viral rash that is harmless.
   • It does not itch or hurt.
   • It can be treated at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Fever Medicine:
   • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Note: Fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
   • For all fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
3. Pregnant Women - Special Risk:
   • The risk of Fifth disease is to the unborn babies of pregnant women. It is not harmful to the woman herself.
   • A pregnant woman should see her doctor if she is exposed.
   • He will do a test to see if the mother has had the disease. If she has, she is protected.
   • If not, the pregnancy will need to be watched closely. Some babies that get it before birth can have problems. Ten percent can have a very low red blood cell count and 2% may die.
   • But, birth defects are never a result of this virus.
4. What to Expect:
   • The lace-like rash can come and go for 1 to 3 weeks.
5. Return to School:
   • Once your child has the "slapped cheeks", they can no longer spread the illness. Also, the lacy rash cannot be spread to others either.
   • Your child does not need to stay home from child care or school.
   • It can be spread during the week before the rash begins.
   • Exposed children should try not to have any contact with pregnant women. This may be hard to know ahead of time.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Fever above 102° F (39° C) occurs
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Fifth Disease

There is redness and puffiness of both cheeks; this is the first sign of Fifth's Disease.