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Jun 29, 2022 · There's no treatment for roseola. Most children recover within a week of the onset of the fever. With your health care provider's advice, consider giving your child nonprescription fever and pain medications made for infants or children as a safer alternative to aspirin.
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Roseola is a common, contagious viral infection that affects most babies and children before they turn 2. The main symptom is a sudden, high fever. This can cause febrile seizures (normally harmless) in some children. Roseola may cause serious complications in children with weakened immune systems. At-home care can help your child feel better.
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What are the symptoms of roseola?
The main roseola symptom is a sudden and high fever, typically ranging from 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (39.5 to 40.5 degrees Celsius). A rash may develop all over your child’s body after the fever goes away.
What causes roseola?
Roseola is a viral infection, meaning your child is exposed to a virus that makes them sick. The human herpesvirus 6 causes most cases of roseola. The human herpesvirus 7 causes a few cases.
What are the complications of roseola?
Most children have no complications. However, among those that do, the most common issue is a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures affect 10% to 15% of children 6 to 18 months old who have roseola, typically on the first day of their fever. These seizures usually last fewer than 15 minutes and cause no lasting harm to your child. The three main signs of a febrile seizure include: Your child’s body shakes, stiffens or tenses up. Your child passes out, or their eyes roll back in their head. They lose control of basic body functions and suddenly vomit, drool, pee or poop. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your child shows these signs and has never had a febrile seizure before. Don’t try to treat a first-time febrile seizure at home. Your child needs immediate medical care to make sure they’re not having a more serious type of seizure. If your child has had febrile seizures before, your pediatrician will tell you how to handle them if they occur again. Be sure to follow their guidelines closely. When in doubt, call for emergency help. Be sure not to exceed the recommended doses and frequency for acetaminophen or ibuprofen to try and prevent a febrile seizure. Overdoing these medications can lead to liver damage/failure (too much acetaminophen) or kidney damage/stomach problems (too much ibuprofen). Children rarely have more serious complications from roseola. However, they can occur, especially for children who have weakened immune systems due to cancer, autoimmune disease or other conditions. Possible complications include: Infection and inflammation in their lungs (pneumonia). Inflammation of the delicate layer of tissue surrounding their brain and spinal cord (aseptic meningitis). Inflammation of their brain (encephalitis). Other conditions affecting their brain or spinal cord, which make up their central nervous system.
How do healthcare providers diagnose roseola?
Healthcare providers diagnose roseola by talking to you about your child’s symptoms and doing a physical exam. Children rarely need blood tests or other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Your pediatrician will rule out other causes of your child’s symptoms, including: Allergic reaction to a medication. Ear infection. Measles. Rubella. Scarlet fever. Your pediatrician will tell you how to manage your child’s fever and when you should seek medical care. Advertisement
What is the treatment for roseola?
You can usually treat roseola at home by giving your child medicine to reduce their fever and keeping them comfortable. Here’s what to know about roseola treatment: Healthcare providers don’t have a specific treatment for roseola. Antibiotics won’t help since they treat bacterial infections, not viral infections (and roseola is a viral infection). You won’t need to treat the rash because it doesn’t itch or cause pain. Your pediatrician may recommend children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce your child’s fever. You shouldn’t give aspirin to a child under age 17 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. If your child is taking immunosuppressant medication, ask your pediatrician if any special treatment is needed. If you have any questions about managing roseola, talk to your pediatrician. They’re happy to answer your questions and explain how best to help your child. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Pediatric Primary Care Provider Find a Doctor and Specialists Schedule a Pediatric Primary Care Appointment
Can roseola be prevented?
Roseola is unavoidable for most kids. There’s no vaccine for it, and most children get it before starting school. However, you can help your child stay healthy by helping them develop good hand-washing habits. Hand-washing is one of the best ways to prevent viral infections. Your pediatrician can offer additional suggestions.
What can I expect if my child has roseola?
Some children are alert, want to play and seem like their usual selves when they have roseola. Others may be restless or irritable, especially when their fever is high. Most babies and children recover in about one week and don’t have any complications. However, be aware that febrile seizures are a possible complication. If your child has a medical condition that weakens their immune system, talk to your pediatrician about what to do if they develop a fever. Your pediatrician will offer guidance on signs of complications and when to call for help.
How do I take care of my child?
It’s never easy to see your child feeling sick. Try not to worry too much, and know that roseola is common and usually harmless. Stay in touch with your pediatrician for any questions or concerns. Here are some things you can do at home to help your little one stay comfortable: Dress your child in lightweight clothing while they have a fever and avoid heavy blankets. Give your child medicine to help lower their fever. Ask your pediatrician for guidance about the specific types to use and the dosages. Encourage your child to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
When should I call my pediatrician?
Call your pediatrician if your child: Has a fever of 102 degrees F (39 degrees C) for 24 hours (even if they have no other symptoms). Seems unwell or isn’t acting like their usual self after the fever is gone. Has a febrile seizure (and has had them before). Has a rash that’s itchy or painful. Has signs of dehydration, such as dry tongue and lips and no tears when crying. Roseola can affect some children differently based on their medical needs. Call your pediatrician right away if your child spikes a fever and has: A weakened immune system. A heart condition. Children with these conditions may respond differently to a fever and its effects on their body. Your pediatrician will offer guidance on what you should do.
Does roseola mean you have herpes?
Two viruses that can cause roseola (human herpesvirus 6 and human herpesvirus 7) are part of the family of herpes viruses. However, they don’t cause cold sores or genital sores, which happen due to the herpes simplex virus.
Is it possible to have roseola and not know it?
Yes. It’s possible that your child (or you as a child) had a virus that causes roseola without knowing it. Kids get fevers for lots of reasons. If your child doesn’t get a roseola rash, you may chalk up the fever to some other illness and never know your child had roseola. A note from Cleveland Clinic When your child suddenly gets sick, it’s normal to worry about them and wish you could instantly make things better. There’s no magic wand you can wave to make roseola disappear right away. It has to run its course, but it usually doesn’t last longer than a week. The good news is that the rash doesn’t itch or cause your child any pain, and it’s a sign their fever is gone. Most kids recover just fine from roseola. But febrile seizures are a possible complication. So, keep a close eye on your child, especially when their fever is high. If your child has a weakened immune system, seek guidance from your pediatrician. They’ll help you know the signs of complications to look out for and when to seek further care. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/12/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
How is roseola treated in a child? Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Antibiotics are not used to treat this illness. The goal of treatment is to help reduce symptoms. Treatment may include: Making sure your child drinks plenty of fluids
Mar 9, 2021 · For high fever, they might recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your child develops other symptoms or becomes very sick, they may order blood or urine tests. Roseola is contagious, so your...
Nov 21, 2015 · Treatment. Whenever your infant or young child has a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher for twenty-four hours, call your pediatrician, even if there are no other symptoms.
Feb 15, 2022 · Most children make a full and fast recovery from roseola without any specific treatment other than rest and adequate hydration. 8 2 9 Over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Paracetamol or Tylenol), may be recommended to help with symptoms like the fever. ref1.
