What are the symptoms of Fifth Disease?
Many of the symptoms (fever, rash, cough or runny nose) also occur with illnesses caused by other viruses. About a quarter of all people who get Fifth Disease have no symptoms. It is usually a mild infection causing a skin rash and a fever. The illness is often very mild. Sometimes, the child may not even feel sick. These are the most common signs of Fifth Disease that are different from other diseases: • About three weeks after being exposed to the virus, a red rash may appear on the face. This rash has a shape which makes it look like the cheeks have been slapped, while the area around the mouth is pale. These signs are usually seen only in children. • A lace-like rash may appear on the arms and may spread to the chest, back and thighs. The rash can persist for several weeks. The rash may not appear at all, or may look different in adults. • Adults may have pain in their joints.
An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise (general ill feeling), or “cold-like” symptoms a few days before the rash breaks out. The ill child typically has a bright-red (“slapped-cheek”) rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. The rash usually spreads downward, but does not reach the palms or soles. Occasionally, the rash may itch. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days. Sunlight, heat, exercise, and stress can worsen the appearance of the rash. Other symptoms that occasionally occur with fifth disease include swollen glands, red eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, sore throat, diarrhea, and unusual rashes that look like blisters or bruises. In addition, joint pain can occur, but is more common in adults than in children.
