Fifth Disease Rash

Fifth Disease Rash
Fifth disease rash is a viral disease, otherwise known as 'slapped cheek disease', and is caused by the parvovirus. The virus is spread mainly by droplets meaning that when an infected individual sneezes or coughs, the virus is highly likely to be spread. Note however that once the fifth disease rash occurs, the individual will not be infectious anymore.

This is a highly contagious disease, typical of any other type of viral infection. Fifth disease rash will be most contagious just before the rash erupts, a day prior to the onset of the fever and in the process of the fever. The contagious period however lasts for 24 hours once the fever breaks and the rash erupted. The incubation period of the disease will last circa 4-14 days, although sometimes the incubation period can extend up to 21 days.

Fifth disease rash, as the name may suggest, is commonly characterized by bright red cheeks, and a pale mouth. While the disease mostly affects children, it can also be found in adults. It got its name after being the fifth rash/fever illness to be identified after other diseases like measles and chicken pox.

The disease, which is very prevalent during the spring and winter, naturally starts with a low-grade fever and general body malaise. This will be followed by the characteristic slapped cheeks rash after around a week or so, then after 3-4 days, a fine, red is likely to develop in other parts of the body. The rash can stay for 5-7 days and occasionally appear and disappear for a period of 3 weeks.

Note that all other symptoms of the fifth disease rash will have disappeared by the time the rash erupts. There are no serious complications related to the fifth disease rash because rarely will individuals develop erythrocyte aplasia, a condition where the bone marrow discontinues its normal formation of the red blood cells. As rare as the condition is, it is mostly short-lived, although it can be fatal.

Individuals suffering from the fifth disease rash and are immuno-compromised are highly vulnerable to developing erythrocyte aplasia. Treatment for the fifth disease rash is mostly supportive where taking enough rest, avoiding stressful situations, taking lots of fluids, and acetaminophen is highly recommended. It would be pointless to treat the disease using antibiotics because as mentioned above, it is a viral disease. Individuals who suffer from severe arthritis may be forced to use anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen and ibuprofen.