My son developed a rash on his face which made him look as if someone had slapped him. It spread to his arms and legs and lasted for a couple of days. No sooner was he over it, my other two children got it. My GP said it was called "fifth disease", but I had never heard of it before.
Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is a viral infection that presents as a skin rash. Initially developing on the face, its bright-red appearance makes it look as if the child has been slapped - giving rise to its more common name, "slapped cheek syndrome". The rash then typically spreads to the arms and legs and lasts for a couple of days. However, it can recur on and off over a few weeks and is quite contagious. Despite the rash, the child usually remains well and it tends to be a relatively mild condition with no long-term consequences.
If it's called fifth disease, does that mean there is something called fourth disease?
Yes, fourth disease is also a viral illness that is often misdiagnosed as rubella because of its similar type of rash. However, the main difference is that the rash associated with fourth disease occurs mainly on the trunk rather than the face and neck and tends not to be itchy. It usually fades after a day or so and is more common in pre-school children.
There is also another viral illness called sixth disease which affects infants of six-18 months. The child typically develops a high fever and runny nose followed by a bright red rash mainly on the trunk, that lasts for about two days. Although they are called diseases, they are mild viral infections that clear quickly with no long-term ill-effects.
What is the treatment for these types of illnesses?
Use paracetamol to bring down the temperature. The rash can be soothed by bathing the child in a tepid bath to which a half-cup of bicarbonate of soda has been added. Calamine lotion will also ease any itching. If you are worried, it is best to have any rash in a child checked by your GP.