How long roseola

A diagnosis of roseola is often uncertain until the fever drops and the rash appears, so the doctor may order tests to make sure that the fever is not caused by another type of infection.

Roseola usually does not require professional medical treatment. When it does, most treatment is focused on lowering the high fever. Antibiotics can't treat roseola because viruses, not bacteria, cause it.

Acetaminophen such as Tylenol or ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin can help to ease a fever. Never give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness because its use in such cases has been associated with Reye syndrome , which can lead to liver failure and death.

While some parents use lukewarm sponge baths to lower fever, there is no proof that this really works. In fact, sponge baths can make children uncomfortable. Never give your child an icy or cold bath or alcohol rubs.

To prevent dehydration from the fever, encourage your child to drink clear fluids such as water with ice chips and Pedialyte electrolyte oral replacement solution. Breast milk and formula can help prevent dehydration as well. Call the doctor if your child is lethargic or won't drink or breastfeed.

If your child has a seizure, get emergency care right away. Reviewed by: Julio E. It goes away on its own without treatment. But you can help your child feel better.

Roseola is caused by a viral infection in the human herpes virus family. It is spread by droplets in the air when someone who is infected sneezes or coughs. It most often affects children ages 6 months to 2 years. Stage 1. Your child is likely to feel cranky and uncomfortable during the fever. Stage 2. A rash appears on the neck down to the torso after the fever goes away.

The rash is red and can be raised or flat. It may sometimes spread to the face or limbs. The rash is not painful. It tends to get better and worse over 3 to 4 days. Your child may feel cranky or itchy during the rash stage of roseola. Most rashes that occur while taking an OTC drug are viral rashes. Fever medicines acetaminophen and ibuprofen cause the most confusion.

Reason: Most viral rashes start with a fever. Hence, the child is taking a fever med when the rash starts. But, the fever med had nothing to do with the rash. Drug rashes can't be diagnosed over the phone. Prevention Good hand washing can prevent spread of infection. Bellevue Everett Federal Way Seattle. Should your child see a doctor? All Symptoms. Accept All Cookies.