Roseola is a viral infection that commonly occurs in children, and is usually not a serious illness. Most cases happen between the ages of 6 months to 3 years of age. Nearly one-third of children have had roseola by the time they are 2.
Roseola often starts with a high fever, usually followed by a distinctive rash just as the fever breaks. High fever can cause complications, so parents should watch their children's temperatures carefully and keep in contact with their pediatricians.
Treatment is usually aimed at bringing down the fever and making sure the child stays hydrated. Children are usually better within a week. Adults can sometimes get roseola, too.
Roseola is caused by 2 kinds of herpes viruses. The most common one is herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). Herpes virus 7 can also cause roseola. These are not the same herpes viruses that cause cold sores or genital herpes.
Roseola is spread through saliva and respiratory secretions, so coughing and sneezing can spread the virus. The incubation period is 5 to 15 days. It is contagious, whether or not the child has a rash.
Your child's doctor will look for the rash and may take blood to check for other conditions and complications. Your child's doctor will also take your child's temperature and talk to you about how to treat your child's roseola at home.
There is no cure for roseola. Most treatments reduce fever, letting the infection run its course. Make sure your child drinks a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water and other clear fluids are fine. You may want to use drinks that contain electrolytes, such as Pedialyte. Most children get better within a week.
Herbal teas may help reduce fever. Always ask your pediatrician before giving any herb or supplement to a child. Vitamins and herbs can interact with other medications. This is why it is crucial to talk to your pediatrician first.
To determine a child's dose for herb teas, ask your pediatrician. For some herb teas, the mother may drink them to treat breastfeeding babies. Always check with your pediatrician before using herbs while breastfeeding.
Your child should get plenty of rest and fluids.
These nutrients are often used to help strengthen the immune system and fight infection. The right dose varies depending on the age and weight of the child. Ask your pediatrician to help you find the right dose, and do not give any of these vitamins or supplements to a child without your pediatrician's approval.
Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts).
To determine the right dose for a child, ask your pediatrician. Always ask your doctor before giving herbs to a child. Some herbs can interact with other medications or cause allergies and might not be safe for your child to take.
These herbs are often used to reduce fever:
Use equal parts of the above herbs to brew a tea. If you are breastfeeding, you can drink 1 cup, 3 to 4 times per day to pass the benefits along to your baby (under your doctor's guidance).
Garlic and ginger tea. With 1 to 3 cloves of garlic (Allium sativum) and 1 to 3 slices of fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) may help stimulate the immune system and prevent upper respiratory infections. You can add lemon and a sweetener for flavor. DO NOT give honey to children under 2 years old.
Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for roseola based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.
Acupressure for children may be calming and help reduce the fever.
Gentle massage may help your child feel better. A foot massage may help. However, some children will not want to be touched.
Most children get well within about a week with no problems. If your child has a seizure, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
Avoiding infected children is the only way to prevent roseola. There is no vaccine.
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Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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