What are the symptoms of infantile急疹 (roseola)?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, infantile急疹 (roseola infantum) is a common acute febrile rash disease in infants and young children. Common symptoms mainly include sudden high fever, rash appearing after the fever subsides, mild respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal discomfort, and fluctuations in mental status. During the illness, parents can appropriately reduce the child's clothing to help dissipate heat and provide additional fluids to the infant.

Generally, as a common acute febrile exanthematous disease in infancy and early childhood, infantile emergency rash (roseola) mainly presents symptoms including sudden high fever, rash appearing after fever subsides, mild respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal discomfort, and fluctuations in mental status. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Sudden high fever: Infantile emergency rash often begins with a sudden onset of high fever, with body temperature rapidly rising to 39°C or even 40°C. This high fever typically lasts for 3 to 5 days. During the fever, infants may show mild irritability, but in most cases, their appetite remains relatively unaffected.

2. Rash appearing after fever subsides: After the high fever persists for some time, the body temperature suddenly drops. As the temperature returns to normal or within 1 to 2 days afterward, a rash begins to appear on the infant's body. The rash typically presents as light red maculopapular eruptions, first appearing on the neck and trunk, then gradually spreading to the face and extremities.

3. Mild respiratory symptoms: Some infants may experience mild respiratory symptoms during illness, such as occasional coughing and sneezing, sometimes accompanied by mild nasal congestion. However, severe manifestations such as significant difficulty breathing or wheezing are not typically observed. These respiratory symptoms usually resolve gradually as the illness improves.

4. Gastrointestinal discomfort: A few infants may experience gastrointestinal-related discomfort, commonly表现为 (manifested as) mild diarrhea with slightly increased frequency of bowel movements and looser stool consistency. Some infants may also experience mild vomiting, though the frequency and volume of vomiting are generally limited.

5. Fluctuations in mental status: During the period of high fever, some infants may appear slightly listless or sleepy. However, once the temperature drops slightly, their mental status usually improves, allowing them to play normally.

During the illness, parents can appropriately reduce the infant's clothing to aid heat dissipation, provide additional hydration, and ensure good indoor air circulation. If the infant shows significant irritability during fever, pediatric-specific antipyretic medications may be used under a doctor's guidance to alleviate discomfort.

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Does roseola in infants cause itching?

Roseola infantum usually does not cause skin itching. It is an acute febrile rash illness caused by infection with human herpesvirus 6 or 7, characterized primarily by rose-colored maculopapular rash appearing on the skin after high fever, and the rash is typically asymptomatic.

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What causes recurrent fever in children?

In general, the main causes of recurrent fever in children include fluctuations in environmental temperature, reactions after vaccination, acute upper respiratory tract infections, roseola infantum, and suppurative tonsillitis. If the fever persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it's important to adjust children's clothing according to weather changes and maintain good indoor ventilation.

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Can babies with infantile emergency rash take a bath?

In general, whether infants with sudden rashes can take a bath should be determined based on the specific condition of the rash and the infant's overall physical status. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly. When bathing, ensure the water temperature is maintained at 37-38°C and the room temperature is kept at 24-26°C to avoid extremes of hot or cold. Bathing time should not exceed 5 minutes, and a soft towel should be used to gently pat the skin clean—rubbing or scrubbing the skin is not recommended.

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What is the prevalence of roseola in infants and young children?

In terms of affected populations and seasons, roseola primarily affects infants and young children between 6 months and 2 years of age. The immune system of children in this age group is not yet fully developed. Infants under 6 months are less commonly affected due to protection from maternal antibodies, and the incidence significantly decreases in children older than 2 years. Roseola can occur throughout the year, but the disease is more common during spring and autumn when temperature fluctuations are greater and viral transmission is more likely.