Slapped cheek disease

This mild illness is also known as 'slapped cheek syndrome' and 'fifth disease'. It is caused by the parvovirus. It's medical name is Erythema Infectiosum.

Your child is only mildly unwell, as though a mild cold was starting. There is a very vivid, red fiery rash on the cheeks, and a less intense rash on the arms and legs. Occasionally joint pains may be troublesome.

What to do

It is a short illness which needs no treatment other than general measures for a fever:

• Sponge your child down gently with tepid water, all over. Allow the body heat to dry the skin rather than towelling it dry. This can be repeated as often as necessary. Although your child may protest while you are doing this, he will feel much better afterwards, and the fever can be reduced by as much as one degree centigrade
• Give regular doses of sugar-free paracetamol syrup to help reduce fever, and combat aches and pains. Calculate the dose according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or ask your pharmacist
• Keep your child as undressed as possible to allow heat to be lost
• Encourage your child to take small, frequent sips of anything he will drink (though preferably clear fluids like water or squash rather than milky drinks).