Erythema infectiosum is a disease in which red spots appear on the face, mainly on the cheeks, trunk, arms and legs, as well as itchy skin, low fever, headache and general malaise.
Erythema infectiosum, also called parvovirus, fifth disease or, popularly, slap disease, is a type of erythema caused by the human parvovirus B19, being more common in children between 5 and 7 years old, although it also happens in older people. old.
Read too: Erythema: what it is, symptoms, types, causes and treatment
There is no specific medication for erythema infectiosum, as the virus can be eliminated naturally by the body. However, to speed up recovery and alleviate symptoms, your doctor may recommend the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of erythema infectiosum are:
- Redness in the face, especially in the cheeks;
- Red spots on the trunk, arms and legs;
- Itchy skin;
- Low fever;
- General malaise;
- Headache;
- Muscle pain.
The red spots, typical of erythema infectiosum, may appear 4 to 14 days after infection with the virus and last for approximately 5 to 10 days. However, the spots may appear again weeks or months after infection when the person is exposed to the sun, stress, physical activity and heat.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of erythema infectiosum must be made by an infectious disease specialist, dermatologist or pediatrician, in the case of children, based on the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person.
If you wish, make an appointment with the doctor closest to you to assess your risk of erythema infectiosum:
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Cause of erythema infectiosum
Erythema infectiosum is caused by the human parvovirus B19, which can be transmitted from one person to another through inhalation of secretions from the respiratory tract released into the environment by an infected person when coughing, talking or sneezing, or through sharing objects of use. staff, especially cutlery.
Transmission of the virus occurs before symptoms appear, with a lower chance of transmission when symptoms begin. See more about human parvovirus infection.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of erythema infectiosum aims to alleviate symptoms, and the doctor may recommend the use of analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications. Furthermore, it is recommended that the person rests, drinks plenty of fluids and eats a lighter diet to promote recovery.
Medicine for erythema infectiosum
There is no specific medication for erythema infectiosum, as the virus can be naturally eliminated from the body over time. However, to alleviate symptoms and recover faster, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions.
