Roseola-Viral Rash
Is this your child's symptom?
- Widespread fine pink rash caused by Roseola virus
- Classic feature is that the rash is preceded by 3 to 5 days of high fever
- The fever goes away before the rash starts
- A doctor has told you that your child probably has Roseola or
- Rash occurs after several days of fever. Fever gone now and your child feels fine.
Symptoms of Roseola
- Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
- Rash: Pink, small, flat spots on the chest and stomach. Rash is the same on both sides of the body. Then may spread to the face and arms.
- Classic feature: 3 to 5 days of high fever without a rash or other symptoms.
- The rash starts 12 to 24 hours after the fever goes away.
- The rash lasts 1 to 3 days.
- By the time the rash appears, the child feels fine.
Cause of Roseola
- Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6)
Viral Rashes and Drug Rashes
- Prescription drugs sometimes cause widespread rashes.
- Non-prescription (OTC) drugs rarely cause any rashes.
- Most rashes that occur while taking an OTC drug are viral rashes.
- Fever medicines (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) cause the most confusion. Reason: most viral rashes start with a fever. Hence, the child is taking a fever med when the rash starts. But, the fever med had nothing to do with the rash.
- Drug rashes can't be diagnosed over the phone.
Prevention
- Good hand washing can prevent spread of infection.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one):
When to Call Us for Roseola-Viral Rash
Call 911 Now
- Rash becomes purple or blood-colored with fever
- You think your child has a life-threatening emergency
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
- Large blisters on skin
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours
- Fever comes back
- Rash becomes worse
- You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Rash lasts more than 4 days
- You have other questions or concerns
Care Advice for Roseola
What You Should Know About Roseola:
- Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
- It's the most common rash in this age group.
- By the time they get the rash, the fever is gone. The child feels fine.
- The rash is harmless and goes away on its own.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Treatment:
- No treatment is needed.
- Creams or medicines are not helpful.
Moisturizing Cream for Itch:
- Roseola usually is not itchy. If your child's rash is itchy, here are some tips.
- Use a moisturizing cream (such as Eucerin) once or twice daily.
- Apply the cream after a 5 or 10-minute bath. Reason: water-soaked skin feels less itchy.
- Avoid all soaps. Reason: soaps, especially bubble bath, make the skin dry and itchy.
Fever Medicine:
- For fevers higher than 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
- Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
- Note: fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
- For all fevers: keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
- Note: by the time the rash occurs, the fever should be gone. If your child has both, see Rash or Redness - Widespread care guide.
What to Expect:
- Roseola rash goes away in 2-3 days.
- Some children with Roseola just have 3 days of fever without a rash.
Return to Child Care:
- Once the fever is gone for 24 hours, the disease is no longer contagious (AAP).
- Your child can return to child care or school, even if the rash is still present.
- Children exposed to your child earlier may come down with Roseola in 9-10 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Fever comes back
- Rash lasts more than 4 days
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.