Roseola
Introduction
Roseola is a common viral infection that usually affects babies and toddlers. It typically causes a fever and a spotty rashfor afew days.
While the rash may look alarming, roseolatends tobemild and you can normally look after your child at home. They'll usuallyrecover within a week.
Roseolacan also affect older children and adults, but this is uncommon becausemost children will have been infected by the time theystart nursery and it'srare to get it more than once.
Roseola is also sometimes called"roseola infantum" or "sixth disease".
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Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 13 Oct 2016
Introduction
Find out about the childhood infection roseola, including what the symptoms are, how to treat it and when to get medical advice.
Symptoms of roseola
Roseola doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms. If they do develop, they'll usually start a week or two after becoming infected. Fever At first, your child may have: a suddenhigh temperature (fe
How to treat roseola at home
You can usually look after your child at home until they're feeling better. There'sno specific treatment, butthe following can help: letyour childrest if they feel unwell they may be more comfort
When to get emergency help
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E)department immediately if your child: has a rash that doesn't fade when you roll a glass over it this could be a sign
How to stop roseola spreading
Roseola is spread ina similar wayto the common cold through coughs and sneezes, and contaminated objects or surfaces. It doesn't spread very easily and you don't need to keep your child away from nu
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