What should not be eaten during infantile急疹 (roseola)?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, infants and young children with acute rashes should avoid eating foods such as mangoes, lychees, fried chicken legs, cream cakes, and chili peppers. It is also not recommended to use medications such as acetaminophen suspension drops, ibuprofen granules, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, or promethazine hydrochloride syrup on their own. It is important to maintain clean skin for infants and young children in daily care and to prevent them from scratching the rash.

Generally, it is not recommended for infants and young children to consume foods such as mangoes, lychees, fried chicken legs, cream cakes, or chili peppers during the period of infantile急疹 (exanthema subitum). It is also not advised to use medications such as acetaminophen suspension drops, ibuprofen granules, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, or promethazine hydrochloride syrup on one's own initiative. The specific reasons are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Mangoes

Mangoes are tropical fruits that may cause allergic reactions in some infants and young children, such as rashes and itching. Since infantile急疹 itself is accompanied by rashes, eating mangoes may worsen skin discomfort and could interfere with the assessment of the condition, making it difficult to distinguish whether the rash exacerbation is due to an allergy or the natural progression of急疹.

2. Lychees

Lychees have a high sugar content. An infant's digestive system is not fully developed, and excessive consumption of lychees may lead to excessive sugar intake, increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and potentially causing bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive problems, which are detrimental to the recovery of infants during the period of急疹.

3. Fried Chicken Legs

Fried chicken legs are high in fat. Infants have weak digestive functions, and consuming fried foods may be difficult to digest and absorb, thus increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. This may lead to indigestion, loss of appetite, affect nutrient absorption, and delay the recovery from急疹.

4. Cream Cakes

Cream cakes contain large amounts of cream and sugar. Cream is high in fat and difficult for infants to digest, while excessive sugar may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Combined, these factors may cause bloating, diarrhea, and other discomforts in infants. Moreover, cream cakes have low nutritional value and are not conducive to nutrient supplementation for infants during the period of急疹.

5. Chili Peppers

The mucous membranes in infants' mouths and gastrointestinal tracts are delicate and sensitive. Chili peppers can irritate these membranes, causing oral pain and gastrointestinal discomfort. They may also intensify the body's inflammatory response, which is unfavorable for recovery from急疹.

II. Medications

1. Acetaminophen Suspension Drops

Although this medication can be used to reduce fever in infants, excessive use can increase the burden on the liver and potentially cause liver damage. Fever often accompanies infantile急疹, and the dosage must be strictly calculated based on body weight. Self-administration beyond the recommended dosage poses a high risk, and the medication should be used strictly under medical guidance.

2. Ibuprofen Granules

Ibuprofen granules are suitable for reducing fever in infants, but improper use may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts. It may also affect kidney function. Precise control of dosage and dosing intervals is necessary for infants, and the medication should not be used without medical advice.

3. Aspirin Enteric-Coated Tablets

Aspirin enteric-coated tablets may trigger Reye's syndrome, a disease that damages the liver and brain. Infants are particularly vulnerable during the period of急疹, and the risk of using this medication is extremely high. Clinically, it is clearly not recommended for use in infants and young children.

4. Chlorpheniramine Maleate Tablets

This medication belongs to the class of antihistamines and has a sedative effect. Infants may experience symptoms such as drowsiness and dizziness after taking it, which may also affect the development of the nervous system. Mild itching accompanying infantile急疹 does not require the use of such medications, and blind use may increase the burden on the body.

5. Promethazine Hydrochloride Syrup

Promethazine hydrochloride syrup has sedative and antiallergic effects, but infants may experience adverse reactions such as respiratory depression and drowsiness after taking it. Additionally, infants have weak drug metabolism abilities, making it easy for the drug to accumulate in the body. It is not recommended for use during the period of急疹 unless there is a clear medical indication, and should only be used under the guidance of a physician.

In daily care, it is important to keep the infant's skin clean and prevent scratching of the rash. Ensure the infant gets plenty of rest and adequate hydration. If the infant's fever persists or their mental state deteriorates, timely medical attention should be sought, and all medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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