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.

Fifth Disease In Adults

Fifth Disease In Adults
Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum, its proper name, which construes to mean 'infectious redness', it isn't really the case, it is more of a misnomer because once the rash develops, the individual will no longer be contagious hence will not pass it on to other people who comes in contact with them. The disease, also identified as slapped-cheek syndrome, is more prevalent in children, but isn't limited to any age group as even adults are affected by it too.

The symptoms of the fifth disease in adults are somewhat common to common cold or flu; joint pains, headaches, and fever being the commonest. However, not every person will manifest these symptoms. It is equally characterized by a red rash forming on the face and the upper arms at times. The symptoms will appear after the earlier ones have faded and may sometimes become very irritating and itchy.

In adults, the prevalence rate in women is higher than it is in men. Fifth disease in adults is normally not an alarming disease because the virus will disappear as mysteriously as it appeared on its own. However, because it may be characterized by joint pains, pain medicine such as ibuprofen can greatly soothe the pain and doctors will always advise you complement that with lots of rest.

Note however that if you suffer from heart problems, blood disorder, have a compromised immune system, or are pregnant, it is recommended that you consult a physician for further advice as the condition will be different under these circumstances. Be advised that the virus that causes fifth disease, known as Parvovirus B19, can get into joints and lead to septic arthritis, reason enough to visit the physician if the joint pains intensify or persists.

Sadly, there is no cure or vaccine yet for fifth disease in adults. However, if it affected you during childhood, your body will already have formed immunity to the fifth disease hence you will not be infected in your adulthood. You can ask your doctor for a blood test to find out whether your blood has the antibodies necessary to fight the virus, to determine if you were infected when young or not. If you haven't been infected before, you might be prone to fifth disease in adults if you work with children like a nursery nurse, teacher, or a healthcare professional. Chances of getting infected if a family member living in close proximity in the same household is around 50%.