-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cutaneous system
roseola
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
benign acute disease of infants or young children, recognized by a high fever without other symptoms, and the appearance of a rash when, or soon after, the fever breaks; also termed "roseola infantum" and "exanthem subitum"

etiology:
although the associated microorganism has not been isolated, it is believed to be a virus; spring and fall are the common times for occurrence.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
• incubation time appears to range from 5-15 days; symptoms have an abrupt onset
• fever: may get up to 105° F, and typically lasts from 3-5 days
• irritability
• convulsions may occur
• slight splenomegaly, mild pharyngitis, mild adenopathy may be present
• on the 4-5th day of the illness, the fever drops abruptly.
• rash: macular or maculopapular on the neck and torso, may radiate to the face, thighs and buttocks; lasts from 1 hour to 2 days; occasionally the rash will not be noticed
• otherwise, the child feels and acts normally

lab findings:
• leukocytosis in initial stages during the fever
• mild leukopenia in later stages of the febrile phase, with relative lymphocytosis

course and prognosis

The prognosis is excellent, mostly with full recovery and no complications. Conventional treatment consists only of antipyretics and addressing the convulsions if they become problematic. Rarely, severe encephalopathy has been observed following a roseola infection.

differential diagnosis

• measles
• rubella
• fifth disease
• infectious mononucleosis
• enterovirus


footnotes