Erythema infectiosum is a viral infection that causes a rash

There are many medical conditions that can cause a red rash on the cheeks, such as rosacea and lupus. However, in a handful of cases, cheek rash can be caused by erythema infectiosum. Erythema infectiosum is a contagious disease caused by parvovirus B19 infection which generally affects children around the age of 5-14 years. Another name for erythema infectiosum is the fifth disease (fifth disease). This disease is the cause of upper respiratory tract infections (ARI) in children. Stay tuned on how to prevent and treat erythema infectiosum.

Transmission of erythema infectiosum is airborne

The cause of erythema infectiosum disease is parvovirus B19. This virus is spread through the air through saliva and phlegm splashes when sneezing or coughing. Parvovirus can also be transmitted from one person to another through close, repeated, and prolonged skin contact.

Parvovirus 19 can stay in the body 4 to 14 days after the body is infected. This time span is known as incubation. The virus will quickly spread in crowds where large crowds gather, such as schools. People tend to be exposed to this virus during the transition season, which is the change of the rainy season to the dry season.

What are the signs and symptoms of erythema infectiosum?

Symptoms of erythema infectiosum tend to be mild, and may not appear at all in some people. However, erythema infectiosum is most contagious during the incubation period (4-14 days the virus remains in the body after the first exposure). So you still have to be aware of the symptoms that may appear. Usually you will experience the symptoms about 1 to 6 weeks before they are completely cured.

Early symptoms

About 10 percent of people usually have initial symptoms for 5 to 10 days which are marked by:

• Mild fever
• Fatigue
• Itchy
• Stomach ache
• Sore throat
• Headache

The main symptom

When the virus starts to develop, other symptoms will appear, namely:

• Fever higher than before
• Has flu-like symptoms
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

In addition to the various symptoms above, some people will experience other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and joint pain that are usually felt by adults. Joint pain in adults usually affects the hands, wrists, knees and ankles. This pain can last from two weeks to more than a year.

After that, the rash on the cheeks will appear in three stages, namely:

The first stage

A red, pimply-like rash (papules) that will appear on the cheeks. After appearing red papules then within a few hours will form red plaques, slightly swollen, and feel warm. However, this rash does not appear on the nose and around the mouth.

Second stage

After four days, the rash will likely appear on the arms as well as the body. Usually it looks like a lacy pattern.

Third phase

The third stage is a recurring rash. In this phase the rash should disappear. However, when you are exposed to direct sunlight, this can trigger it to reappear. Usually when you are about to heal, the rash will be itchy but not painful.

When the symptoms of the rash appear, the virus is no longer contagious. So, you can still interact with other people without worrying about spreading it.

Treatment for erythema infectiosum

The fifth disease is not severe for most children. Most cases of erythema infectiosum also do not require special treatment. Existing treatments are only for symptom relief. For example, for fever, flu, and pain complaints such as headaches or joint pain, you can give paracetamol or ibuprofen. Meanwhile, to relieve itching skin rashes, you can give antihistamines.

The rest, you can consume plenty of fluids and get enough rest to speed up recovery. However, if your immune system continues to weaken, your doctor may recommend that you be hospitalized for antibodies through a blood transfusion.

This disease sometimes affects adults and can be very dangerous for pregnant women.

Is there a way to prevent erythema infectiosum?

Basically, there is no vaccine or drug that can prevent Parvovirus B19 infection. However, you can reduce your chances of becoming infected or infecting other people by:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Bed rest at home when you're sick.
• Always keep your immune system strong, by eating nutritionally, exercising and getting enough rest.

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