The fifth disease or the syndrome of the child slapped
This childhood illness, of such a curious name, is more common than we can believe. His name is due to a typical red rash that usually appears on the face as if the child had been given a cake on the cheek. Formerly it was known as the "fifth disease", since it ranked fifth among infectious diseases
This childhood illness, of such a curious name, is more common than we can believe. His name is due to a typical red rash that usually appears on the face as if the child had been given a cake on the cheek.
Formerly it was known as the "fifth disease", since it ranked fifth among infectious diseases with rashes in children before vaccines reached our vaccination schedule. Hence its name: the fifth disease or syndrome of the child slapped.
What is the fifth illness or syndrome of the slapped child
Unfortunately there is no possible vaccine for the fifth illness or syndrome of the child slapped. Although almost 50% of the child population has suffered at some time, their symptoms are so mild that often goes unnoticed or hidden after a cold.
It usually affects children between 5 and 15 years old, especially in the spring months, and its real name is "infectious erythema". Its symptoms are slight fever, headache, congestion and mucus, which usually disappear in a few days. There are other less common symptoms such as red eyes, swollen glands, diarrhea, blisters or bruises.
It is not until a few days later that his characteristic rash begins to appear on the face, which spreads along the trunk and extremities, which is often not associated with the same disease.
This rash usually does not present any discomfort, but sometimes it may sting slightly, especially when the child is exposed to the sun, heat or greater sweating.
A very clear symptom that identifies it is that the spots do not appear on the palms of the hands or on the soles of the feet. The rash usually disappears slowly, clearing in the center of the spots and thus taking on the appearance of lace, but it is not until three weeks when it disappears altogether.
The syndrome of the slapped child is quite contagious during the incubation period, but curiously when the first symptoms appear the virus has already started to subside.
We must not be alarmed, almost half of the population has passed without knowing, but we must be careful especially with children with weakened immune systems or blood disorders, as it causes a significant drop in production of red blood cells; The same goes for pregnant women, since some fetuses may have severe anemia.
The fifth disease can not be treated with antibiotics, since it is caused by a virus, so you should only rest and treat the symptoms of fever. Once the child has passed the disease it will become immune to it, so there is no danger of it contracting again.
