Roseola infantumRoseola infantum is a self limited febrile illness caused by a virus. It is a common cause of fever and rash in young children. The characteristic feature of this disease is the lack of systemic toxicity in spite of high fever which may even exceed 40 degree C. The onset of fever is usually abrupt. The disease commonly occurs between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. Other symptoms are mild lethargy and sometimes irritability. There may be slight redness of throat and tonsils on examination. Some children may suffer from vomiting with or without diarrhea. Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck is a common finding. The fever may persist for up to one week. In about a quarter of patients a red rash appears. It usually begins on the trunk and then spreads to face, neck and extremities. The rash begins as small reddish spots of 2-3 millimeter which may be slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. The spots may coalesce leading to large reddish area on the skin. Itching is usually absent. The rash usually occurs when the fever subsides in contrast to measles in which the rash appears at the height of fever. The rash of measles starts over the face. The rash of roseola usually subsides within 3 days without leaving behind any marks. Laboratory findings: The white blood cells are usually decreased in number. The decrease affects lymphocytes more than other types of white blood cells. Some patients may have evidence of liver involvement in the form of elevation of liver enzymes. Complications: are uncommon. Febrile seizure can occur in some children. Pneumonia, hepatitis, bone marrow suppression and encephalitis may occur in children with weak immune system. Treatment: There is no specific treatment. Fever can be controlled with paracetamol. Special precaution is needed in those children prone to get febrile seizure.
Page last reviewed on 20th January 2010
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