Exanthema Subitum – What is it, Causes and Treatments!

Exanthema Subitum – What is it, Causes and Treatments of this condition. In addition, Exanthema Subito is a virus that causes high fever for 3 days and then red spots on the body. Rash , also known as Roseola , is a mild, sudden-onset, short-lived viral illness that most often affects young children.

Exanthema Subitum is  most common in children 6 to 24 months of age, with a mean age of infection around 9 months of age. Less frequently, older children, teenagers and adults can be infected.

Causes of Exanthema Subitum: Exanthema Subitum is afairly common childhood infection , caused by the same family of viruses  that is responsible for chickenpox and shingles. This virus  can be spread by tiny droplets of fluid that enter the air when someone who is infected talks, coughs, laughs or sneezes. This usually happens before infected people develop symptoms.

Exanthema Subitum is acquired when people inhale the droplets or touch them and then touch their mouth or nose. Older children and adults should cover their mouths or noses when they cough or sneeze to avoid spreading the virus  to others.

Symptoms of Exanthema Subitum: The most common symptoms of Exanthema Subitum are skin rashes and high fever. A fever is considered high if your child’s temperature is between 102 and 105°F (38.8-40.5°C).

Fever usually lasts for 3-7 days. The rash develops after the fever subsides, usually within 12 to 24 hours. The rash is pink and may be flat or raised. It usually starts in the abdomen and then spreads to the face, arms, and legs. This rash is a sign that the virus  is at the end of its course.

Other symptoms of exanthema subitum may include:

• diarrhea ;
• Irritability;
• Earache;
• Swelling of the eyelids;
• Sore throat;
• Decreased appetite;
• swollen glands;
• Febrile seizures, which are seizures due to a high fever.

Once your child has been exposed to the virus , it can take between 5 and 15 days before symptoms develop.

Diagnoses of Exanthema Subitum: The diagnosis of Exanthema Subitum is usually made by the characteristic history and physical examination findings, laboratory studies and/or radiological evaluations are rarely required. In the uncommon case, laboratory tests are available to demonstrate elevation of antibodies to HHV-6 (or HHV-7). This may be necessary if thepatient’s immune system is compromised.

Prevention and Treatment of Exanthema Subitum: Unfortunately, there is still no vaccine that is available to prevent infection  with the virus  that causes Exanthema Subitum . Fortunately, exanthema subitum is a relatively mild infection that will go away without treatment. It is best treated by managing symptoms and keeping the infected person well rested and hydrated. Acetaminophen* or ibuprofen are generally recommended to treat a high fever and are safe for children.

Do not give children under the age of 18 who have fossil acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or ASA as this can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can cause fatal inflammation of the brain and liver. If symptoms subside, follow-up with your doctor is only necessary if complications develop. As exanthema subitum is a viral infection , antibiotics are not effective.