Fifth disease

Updated: 2024-03-16

Description

A rash illness that is caused by a virus.

Overview

Fifth disease is common in children who become ill from parvovirus infections. Another name for fifth disease is erythema infectiosum.

Symptoms

The main symptom of fifth disease is face rash that looks like a "slapped cheek." The rash is red on white skin. It is purplish on Black or brown skin. A second rash that looks pink or purple, lacy, and slightly raised may form on the body.

Treatment

Most often, no treatment is needed for fifth disease. The rash usually goes away in 7 to 10 days. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can ease symptoms of a parvovirus infection that happens along with fifth disease.