Chapter 6: Infections and Infestations

Viral Infections: Roseola Infantum

What is it?

Roseola infantum, also known as exanthem subitum, is a common childhood illness usually occurring between the ages of 6 and 36 months.

What does it look like?

The rash of roseola typically follows 3-4 days of high fevers, and its onset coincides with normalizing of body temperature. It consists of blanchable rose-coloured macules and papules on the neck, trunk, and buttocks with occasional involvement of the face and extremities. It usually resolves in a few days. 

How is it managed?

Roseola can typically be diagnosed clinically and no lab investigations or further work up are necessary. Treatment is supportive and the illness is usually already resolving by the time the rash appears. 

 

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Pediatric Dermatology Copyright © 2023 by Dr. Wingfield E. Rehmus, MD, MPH; Dr. Jamie Phillips; Dr. Lisa Flegel; Dr. Saud Alobaida; and Hannah Podoaba is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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