Slapped Cheek Disease What is slapped cheek disease? • Slapped cheek disease is a mild, self-limiting viral illness • It is caused by the Parvovirus B19 • It affects children primarily • Once infected with this virus the body develops antibodies giving a lifetime immunity wherein the child cannot get this illness again Symptoms • Some kids do not have any symptoms • Others may present with mild illness like: o Cough and runny nose o Fever o Headache • Symptoms will last for a few days only without causing much discomfort to the child • 1-2 weeks after the initial symptoms have subsided, a typical rash can appear Features of rash • Rash appears after fever settles. Now the child is not infective • Appear first on both the cheeks – bright red, large patches, warm to touch (classic slapped cheek appearance) • The following day the rash can spread to the extremities – rash is lacy in appearance • In the next day or so the rash can spread to the buttocks and trunk • Rashes can resolve in 3-7 days or it can appear and disappear over 1-3 weeks where exposure to sunlight or heat can exacerbate the rash Diagnosis and treatment • The illness is diagnosed clinically by your doctor when the characteristic rash appears • There is no treatment required and usually gets better on its own • Paracetamol can be given during the fever Complications It is usually a harmless infection in otherwise healthy children It can pose a problem if there are underlying medical conditions • Certain types of hereditary anemia – where the infection can make their anemia far worse • Compromised immune system (HIV, cancer, chemotherapy) – here the infection can be severe with serious complications • Pregnant women should avoid contact with an infected person • Miscarriage or defects in the unborn child if they never had the infection Team Ovum Hospitals

• published: 23 Dec 2014
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