Fifth disease (Erythema infectiosum or slapped cheek syndrome) is a viral, eruptive, two-stage disease caused by Parvovirus B19, mostly seen in the 5-15 age group. It usually heals spontaneously within 1-3 weeks. It is characterized by red rashes that look like children have been slapped on the cheek. Wavy rashes that start in the cheek area spread to the trunk, arms and legs. It leaves no complications. However, in larger ones, it may cause long-term swelling and pain in the joints.
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What are the symptoms of fifth disease?
There is no fever at the beginning of the disease, it gives mild cold-like symptoms. A few days later, rashes appear on the cheeks that look like they’ve been slapped. This bright red rash then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. The red rash may be itchy and form a lacy web-like appearance within a few days. The redness disappears within a week.
Fifth disease can sometimes predispose to other viral diseases.
Fever is not seen in every child. It may start with a mild fever before the rash starts. The fever does not exceed 38 C. With the disappearance of rashes, it falls in the fire. Sometimes it may be accompanied by swelling of the tonsils, redness, redness of the eyes, sore throat, diarrhea.
While fever, weakness and headache are seen in the first stage, low hemoglobin is seen in the second stage from the 10th day and rashes are seen from the 17th day.
The disease may progress with joint swelling and pain in adults and may be long-lasting.
Permanent immunity is provided after the disease, it does not recur.
How is the fifth disease transmitted?
The disease is transmitted by respiratory droplets (sneezing, coughing), nasal discharge and saliva. Contagion begins before rashes appear. It is important to isolate sick children at home because of contagiousness.
What are the methods of prevention from fifth disease?
There is no vaccine and no specific medicine for the disease. The most important methods of protection are compliance with hygiene rules and isolation of sick children. Patients should rest at home, not be sent to school, and avoid crowded environments.
How is fifth disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis of the disease is usually made by the presence of sick children in the environment, the time of occurrence of the complaints, the age of the patient, and the appearance of the rash. Laboratory testing is not needed unless another disease or complication is suspected. Cheek rashes disappear within two weeks.
How is fifth disease treated?
Treatment of the disease is symptom-oriented. As it is a viral disease, antibiotic treatment is not required unless there is a concurrent bacterial infection. If there is fever, antipyretic, if there is pain, painkillers, antiallergic medication for rashes can be recommended. Lots of rest is needed.
What can be done at home for fifth disease?
It may be recommended that the sick child rest at home, isolate from other children, not be sent to school, take a shower with warm water, drink plenty of fluids, and have a balanced diet. Moisturizer can be used for itchy skin rashes. Aspirin is not given.
Anemia, diseases and drugs that weaken the immune system, pregnant women, babies pose a risk for fifth disease.