The medical term for fifth disease is erythema infectiosum. The disease is also known as slapped cheek as it causes a red rash on the child’s cheek. This rash later moves down to the rest of the body. This rash normally occurs in childhood and it has symptoms like mild headaches, fever and runny nose. The symptoms last for a few weeks before the rash appears.

Parents must be aware that the disease is not infectious and hence children need not be kept at home. If the symptoms are making the child incapable of attending school then they can be kept at home. It takes 10 weeks for the rash to appear after the symptoms start and by that time the rash is not infectious.

If the child complains that the rash is causing an itching sensation then you must bathe the child in oatmeal. Avoid using any products that have perfume in them. Deodorants and soaps with fragrances must be avoided. Use a mild lotion like calamine to soothe the skin and reduce the itching sensation.

In order to get rid of the fever; make sure that the child gets ample rest. Hot water inhalations work best for runny noses. If the child complains of constant headaches; then you must make sure that the child is not playing in the sun. Pay keen attention to the child’s appetite and include plenty of green vegetables. This will help to boost the immune system.

Avoid contact with the sun as it aggravates the rash. Also do not let the child indulge in too much physical activity as this can lead to more irritation on the surface of the skin. Keep the child away from the playground until the rash subsides. The mud and dirt can increase skin irritation and hence avoiding it would work in your favor.

Scratching the skin will only help to spread the rash and hence you must make the child aware of the hazards of itching. If the symptoms fail to fade away and the rash lingers on for more than 2 weeks you must contact the doctor.