Infant Illness: Roseola, or the Sixth Disease
Roseola, also known as sixth disease, is a highly infectious illness that is commonly found in babies between 9 months and 5 years old. This viral disease is caused by Human Herpes Virus 6 or Human Herpes Virus 7, collectively known as roseolovirus.
The most common symptom of roseola is a high fever (up to 103°F) that is sudden and generally weakening. Other tell-tale signs include a runny nose, sore throat, increased irritation in kids, cough, swollen lymph nodes, lack of appetite, and a mild case of diarrhea. In some cases, symptoms may not show at all, making it harder to diagnose the disease.
The rash associated with roseola can last from 7 to 10 days on average, but this can vary depending on the baby's skin sensitivity and level of treatment. A rash, red or pink in color, may appear throughout the body or in certain areas as another symptom of roseola.
In severe cases, babies may experience febrile seizures. Symptoms of febrile seizures include loss of consciousness, loss of control of bowel movements, and usual signs of seizures. Seizures can be a symptom of roseola if it gets severe.
Babies with severe cases of roseola may require medical intervention. In such cases, doctors may prescribe ganciclovir to help build a stronger immune system.
Common home remedies to treat roseola in babies focus on symptom relief since roseola is a viral illness that typically resolves on its own. These remedies include ensuring plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration during the fever phase, providing adequate rest to support the baby’s recovery, dressing the baby in lightweight, loose, cool clothing to help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating, applying a cool cloth to the baby’s forehead to reduce fever discomfort, and using over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen in appropriate doses as recommended by a pediatrician.
It's recommended to call a doctor at the earliest signs of roseola infection. Mothers may want to protect themselves and their infants by being more careful to the kind of environment they expose themselves to, as roseola can also be contracted by infants from their mothers during pregnancy.
Roseola can have an adverse effect on a baby's immune system, necessitating a stronger immune system through a balanced diet. Basic precautions such as keeping babies away from children with roseola, avoiding harsh environmental conditions, and practicing healthy habits can help prevent the spread of roseola.
Medical advice should be sought if the fever lasts longer than seven days, if symptoms worsen significantly, or if new severe symptoms appear. Antibiotics and antiviral medications are generally not needed unless the child has a severely weakened immune system.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Roseola. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/roseola/symptoms-causes/syc-20366708 [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Roseola. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/roseola/index.html [3] KidsHealth. (2021). Roseola. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/roseola.html [4] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Roseola. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Roseola.aspx [5] National Eczema Association. (2021). Skin Care for Children with Eczema. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/skin-care-for-children-with-eczema/
- Pregnancy may increase a newborn's risk of contracting roseola, a highly infectious illness often found in children aged 9 months to 5 years.
- During parenting, it's essential to be aware of symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, sore throat, and rashes, which may indicate roseola.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, roseola can lead to chronic diseases, such as weakened immune systems, if not properly treated. In severe cases, respiratory conditions like febrile seizures may occur.
- To maintain health-and-wellness and address potential mental-health concerns related to roseola, it's important to follow medical advice, practice skin-care routines for children with sensitive skin, and prioritize a balanced diet to support the immune system's recovery.
