Roseola: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For roseola you can first see: Pediatrics. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: a sudden high fever lasting 3–5 days; the child seeming fairly well despite the fever; a pink, small, non-itchy rash starting on the trunk after the fever falls; fussiness, a mild runny nose, swollen eyelids; mildly swollen glands in the neck. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV-6, HHV-7); spread through saliva and respiratory droplets. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

The fever falls on its own in 3–5 days and the rash fades in 1–2 days. There is no specific treatment; fever and fluid intake are supported.

It is more common in: babies aged 6 months to 2 years; children attending nursery.

The diagnosis is usually made in hindsight from the typical rash after the fever falls. During the fever, the doctor may request tests such as a urine test to rule out other causes.

There is no vaccine; hand washing and not sharing items reduce spread.

See a paediatrician.

Yes, especially during the fever. By the time the rash appears, contagiousness has decreased.

In measles the rash comes with fever, starts on the face and the child is very ill. In roseola the rash comes after the fever falls, starts on the trunk and the child is recovering.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Has the child had a seizure?” “Is the child very sleepy, hard to wake or does the child have a stiff neck?” “Is the rash made of purple spots that do not fade when pressed?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: immediately for any fever in a baby under 3 months; if the fever lasts more than 3 days; the same day if there has been a seizure; if the child cannot drink and has fewer wet nappies.