http://www.kndu.com/Global/story.asp?S=12433582

I just came from the doctor’s office myself and my son took his shirt off he now has a rash all over this body (mostly his arms, shoulders and legs but none really on his back or chest). Doctor said it’s most likely Fifth Disease but once the rash appears it means he’s no longer contagious. So last week, beginning of it, he was and so there are probably a few other kids in his class who will come down with it if they haven’t already.

My boy’s body rash is more prickly but his face does look “slapped”. I just took this photo a few minutes ago:

School nurse did tell me that she recalls seeing other children last week and this week with rosy cheeks as well and it’s possible they have had Fifth Disease as well.

Doctor showed me a picture of what the rash commonly looks like on the body. It’s similar to this:

According to the CDC, “What is “fifth disease?”

Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a “slapped-cheek” rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise, or a “cold” a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.”

WebMD states, “Early symptoms are similar to the flu-runny nose, sore throat, headache-and may be so mild that you don’t notice them. The rash comes several days later, first on the face and later over the rest of the body. The rash usually fades within 5 days.” Now they all have had runny noses but I chalked that up to allergies (which they have).

Here’s what’s prescribed for At Home Treatment.

If you’re concerned your child may have it, it’s probably a good idea to take your child in to see his/her doctor just to rule anything else out. Don’t except any prescriptions if it is Fifth Disease because it’s a virus and the rash will go away on its own.