Fifth Disease: Home Remedies | Symptoms | Causes and Prevention of Fifth Disease

Posted on February 21, 2009 by mkr in Childrens Health

What is Fifth Disease?

It is the fifth most contagious rash in children also known as Slapped Cheek Disease. It is a mild infection that usually affects children between 5 to 15 years of age. In some cases rash is accompanied by itching, headache, mild fever and sore throat.

Symptoms of Fifth Disease

  1. The area around the mouth looks relatively pale and bright red rash develops on both the cheeks.
  2. After a few days on the upper part of arms and legs slightly raised pink rash appears and then spreads to the lower limbs and sometimes trunk.
  3. Exposure to heat, sunlight, exercise and trauma can reactivate the rash. It appears and goes over 1 to 3 weeks.
  4. Achy joints and arthritis are common. Both sides of the body are equally affected and the joint pain may linger for weeks without a rash.
  5. Adults who develop fifth disease may have mild rash or no rash at all.

Causes of Fifth Disease

  • Fifth Disease is caused by a virus, Parvovirus B19 and spreads from person to person by breathing, sneezing, coughing and by respiratory droplets. The virus is in the incubation period for 4 to 14 days and may be contagious then.
    After the appearance of the rash it is no longer contagious.

Home remedies for Fifth Disease

  • In case of fever, dip a sponge in lukewarm water and wipe the child. Let the water evaporate by itself and repeat till the temperature reduces.
  • Plenty of fluids should be taken as a lot of water is lost in the form of sweat.
  • Keep the sick child in a cool, well ventilated room and don’t wrap in blankets.
  • Adults and older children (above 16 years) can take mild painkillers to relieve joint pains, if present.

Fifth Disease Prevention

  • The risk of catching an infection can be reduced through good hygiene.
  • An infected child should be kept away from people with blood disorders, impaired immunity and pregnant women because fifth disease suppresses the production of RBC’s temporarily.

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