Roseola (cont.)
Can the fever cause a seizure?
Yes. The high fever of roseola may trigger a seizure (a
convulsion). Febrile seizures (convulsions due to fever) are common
in children between 18 months to 3 years of age. They occur in 5% to
35% of children with roseola.
Is a seizure due to fever dangerous?
The seizure may look very frightening, but it is usually quite harmless (benign). Febrile seizures are not associated with long-term nervous-system side effects or brain damage. Anticonvulsant medications are very rarely prescribed for the treatment or prevention of febrile seizures.
What should I do if my child with roseola has a seizure?
Keep calm and help the child to the floor, loosening any clothing
around the neck. Remove any sharp objects that could cause injury, and
turn the child on one side so saliva can flow from the mouth. Putting
a cushion or a folded coat under the head for a pillow is fine, but
do not put anything in the child's mouth. The best thing is just to
wait it out. Children are often drowsy and sleep after a seizure;
that is normal. After the seizure, you should contact your child's health-care provider to determine if your child should be immediately examined.
Is there a rash with roseola?
Yes, but not in the beginning. When the fever disappears, a rash
appears. The rash is mainly located on the neck and body, especially,
the abdomen, trunk, and back, but it can also be on the arms and legs
(extremities).
The rash appears as separate little raised dots (papules) or as a
flat (macular) rash. The skin is mildly red in color and temporarily blanches with pressure. The rash is not itchy or painful. It is not contagious. The rash lasts
two to four days and does not return.
Next: What is most remarkable characteristic of roseola? »
- Fifth Disease - Learn fifth disease causes (parvovirus B19), symptoms (lacy rash), complications, treatment information, how long it lasts and the effect on the fetus during pregnancy.
- Measles - Learn measles (rubeola) causes, signs and symptoms (rash, fever, Koplik spots), transmission facts and disease prevention (measles, mumps and rubella vaccination).
- German Measles (Rubella) - Get the facts on German measles (rubella) symptoms (red rash), causes (virus), infection during pregnancy and MMR vaccination. Learn how the disease is spread.
Latest Medical News
Kids Health RSS