What is roseola infantum?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Infantile急疹, also known as roseola infantum, is a common viral infection in infants and young children. Additionally, during the course of the illness, it is important to ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration; physical cooling methods such as tepid water sponging may be used when fever occurs, and antipyretic medications should be taken according to medical advice if the body temperature becomes too high; after the rash appears, the skin should be kept clean, loose clothing should be worn, and scratching should be avoided.

Infantile急疹, also known as roseola infantum, is a common viral infectious disease in infants and young children. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Infantile急疹 is a viral exanthematous disease caused by infection with human herpesvirus type 6 or 7, commonly occurring in infants and young children aged 6 months to 2 years. The most typical characteristic of this rash is "rash appearing after fever subsides." During the initial stage of the disease, infants often experience a persistent high fever lasting 3-5 days, with temperatures frequently exceeding 39℃, without rash appearing during the febrile period. Once the fever suddenly drops, light red maculopapular rashes rapidly emerge on the trunk and neck, with fewer lesions on the face and extremities. The rash generally resolves spontaneously within 1-2 days and does not leave pigmentation or scars. Due to its specific viral etiology and distinct clinical course, it is classified as a viral exanthematous disease.

In addition, during the course of the illness, infants should maintain adequate hydration to avoid dehydration. Physical cooling methods such as tepid water sponging may be used during fever, and antipyretic medications should be taken under medical guidance if the temperature becomes excessively high. After the rash appears, it is important to keep the skin clean and wear loose clothing, avoiding scratching. If symptoms such as lethargy, persistent crying, or convulsions occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.

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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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Can children with infantile roseola eat eggs?

During roseola in infants, eggs can be consumed in moderation as long as the child has no prior egg allergy and the eggs are thoroughly cooked. This illness is caused by human herpesvirus 6 or 7, most commonly affecting children between 6 months and 2 years of age. The typical course involves a sudden high fever lasting 3 to 5 days, followed by the appearance of a generalized rose-colored rash after the fever subsides. During the febrile phase, gastrointestinal motility slows and digestive enzyme activity decreases, so the diet should balance nutrition with easy digestibility.

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What should I do if I have milk eczema?

Milk rash usually refers to infantile eczema. In general, infantile eczema may be caused by incomplete skin barrier function, unsuitable environmental temperature and humidity, food allergies, contact allergies, or secondary bacterial infections. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance.

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What should I do if my baby gets heat rash?

In general, infantile miliaria (heat rash) may be caused by factors such as excessively high temperature and humidity in the environment, non-breathable or non-absorbent clothing, mild secondary infection of the rash, miliaria complicated by eczema, or skin breakdown with associated infection. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general measures, medication, or other treatments under the guidance of a healthcare professional.