This somewhat cryptic name hides the one of the viral disease, which is accompanied by a rash. Fifth disease, or infectious erythema, mainly affects children aged 5-15 years. The disease most children overcome quickly and without problems. Usually it occurs from late winter to early summer and spreads by droplet infection among children by sneezing, coughing or physical contact. The parents first notice the typical rash on the face, but the child is most infectious before the appearance of this symptom, so the problem is to prevent the spread of the disease in groups of children. The rash is an immune response to infection and actually appears in the moment when it disappears.
This is one of the varieties of skin disease, which manifests itself in the form of rashes.

Symptoms of the disease

Fifth disease usually begins with fever, headache and flu symptoms, ie, nasal congestion or mild rhinitis. These symptoms pass quickly, and it seems that the disease is gone, but a few days later a rash appears on the face. In just a few days, the rash usually spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. Rarely, pain in the joints - wrists, knees or ankles. Older children and adults sometimes complain of itching caused by the rash. Additional symptoms that are sometimes associated with fifth disease include lymphadenopathy, redness, pain in the throat and a rash rarely blisters or bruises.

The typical rash

The rash starts on the face, around the nose, the nose, as if forming a pattern in the form of a butterfly. There is redness. The skin looks like a sunburn. On the fourth day there is relief of symptoms. At the beginning of the rash looks like a dark-red spots. Complete disappearance of the rash may take several weeks. The rash usually appears after a heavy physical exertion or stress.

Joint pain

Joint pain usually occurs in adults and older children. Adult joint pain more typical than rash.

Incubation period

The incubation period of this disease is around 10-21 days. As mentioned above, the child most contagious before the rash appears. The infection is transmitted from person to person through nasal fluids of the mouth, throat, sneezing, coughing, using the common dishes, etc. In families where a child with fifth disease, other family members have a 50% chance of becoming infected. Diagnosis and Treatment Doctors usually diagnose fifth disease in accordance with the typical skin changes. To confirm the diagnosis, it is possible to carry out a blood test. Treatment in this case only directed at eliminating disease symptoms. In the case of very high temperatures can parents use antipyretics. If your child complains of itching, antihistamines may come to the rescue. For a child it is important to have a good rest, and consume lots of fluids. If your child complains of pain in the joints, you should consult your pediatrician for the appointment of a suitable treatment. About a week after the onset of symptoms the child should stay at home. It is appropriate to limit the physical activity of a sick child.

Prevention

Against fifth disease do not have any means of prevention, is no way to prevent the spread of the virus. As a precaution, it is advisable to focus on maintaining good hygiene - washing hands, using individual dishes, etc. Complications fifth disease most often dangerous complications in pregnant women, because they also affect the fetus. This virus is able to pass through the placenta and infect the baby, which can lead to severe anemia. If a pregnant woman learns that her surroundings are people who are suffering the fifth disease, she should immediately inform your gynecologist and consult with him.
The vast majority of adult women are immune to fifth disease, because they themselves had been ill in her childhood. Serious problems occur in less than 5% of women infected during pregnancy.