Roseola: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
An 11-month old boy presents with generalized body rash of 2 days duration. His mother gives a history of high fever which started 6 days ago and ended 3 days ago. It was associated with 2 episodes of seizures. Examination shows generalized rose-pink maculopapular rash. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Rubeola
B. Roseola
C. Varicella
D. Rubella
The answer is B, Roseola
- Roseola typically presents as rose pink maculopapular rash which starts after a 3-day episode of high fever which may be associated with febrile convulsion.
Pearls
Roseola, also known as exanthema subitum, roseola infantum, rose rash of infants, sixth disease, baby measles. Caused by HHV 6 and 7
Typically the disease affects a child between six months and two years of age and begins with a sudden high fever (102-104°). This can cause, in rare cases, febrile convulsions due to the sudden rise in body temperature, but in many cases, the child appears normal.
- After a few days, the fever subsides, and just as the child appears to be recovering, a red rash appears.
- A blanching macular or maculopapular rash starting on the neck and trunk and spreading to the face and extremities. Occasionally the rash is vesicular. It is generally nonpruritic. The rash typically persists for one to two days.
- Only childhood viral exanthem that starts on the trunk – spreading to the legs and neck.
Roseola appears as pale pink macules which may appear first on the neck
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is clinical
Treatment
Treatment is supportive
- Bed rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Infectious Disease (6%) ⇒ Viral Infectious Disease (PEARLS) ⇒ Roseola (Lecture)