What is Fifth Disease?

It is the fifth most contagious rash in children. It is a mild infection that usually affects children between 5 to 15 years of age. In some cases rash is accompanied by itching, headache, mild fever and sore throat..

Symptoms of Fifth Disease

1. The area around the mouth looks relatively pale and bright red rash develops on both the cheeks.
2. After a few days on the upper part of arms and legs slightly raised pink rash appears and then spreads to the lower limbs and sometimes trunk.
3. Exposure to heat, sunlight, exercise and trauma can reactivate the rash. It appears and goes over 1 to 3 weeks.
4. Achy joints and arthritis are common. Both sides of the body are equally affected and the joint pain may linger for weeks without a rash.
5. Adults who develop fifth disease may have mild rash or no rash at all.

Causes of Fifth Disease

• Fifth Disease is caused by a virus and spreads from person to person by breathing, sneezing, coughing and by respiratory droplets. The virus is in the incubation period for 4 to 14 days and may be contagious then. After the appearance of the rash it is no longer contagious..

Home remedies for Fifth Disease

1. Adults and older children (above 16 years) can take painkillers for several weeks to relieve joint pains.

Fifth Disease Prevention

1. The risk of catching an infection can be reduced through good hygiene.
2. An infected child should be kept away from people with blood disorders, impaired immunity and pregnant women because fifth disease suppresses the production of RBC’s temporarily.