In this Article

• What is roseola?
• What virus causes roseola?
• How is roseola spread?
• What are the first signs and symptoms of roseola?
• How high can the fever go?
• How should the fever be treated?
• Can the fever cause a seizure?
• Is a seizure due to fever dangerous?
• What should I do if my child with roseola has a seizure?
• Is there a rash with roseola?
• What is most remarkable characteristic of roseola?
• What is the course of the disease?
• Are there any complications of roseola?
• Should I take my child to the doctor with roseola?
• When can the child return to child care?
• Are there other names for roseola?
• Roseola At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Roseola - Describe Your Experience
• Roseola Glossary
• Roseola Index

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.

Roseola - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with roseola.

Comment submissions for this question have ended.
See 20 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Measles - Learn measles (rubeola) causes, signs and symptoms (rash, fever, Koplik spots), transmission facts and disease prevention (measles, mumps and rubella vaccination).
• 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.
• 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.

Read more Roseola related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.