Erythema Infectiosum - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Erythema infectiosum is also called 'slapped cheek disease' or 'fifth disease'. The most striking symptom is a red rash on the cheeks. There is no cure - in time the infection goes. There are three eruptive stages of this disease, the first is facial erythema (redness) where one sees red papules on the cheeks which rapidly group together in hours, forming red, slightly swollen, warm, plaques on both cheeks and spare the nose and mouth. In pregnant women, infection can lead to fetal infection. It's also known as fifth disease or slapped cheek disease because of the typical rash that appears on the cheeks. Erythema infectiosum, acute infection with parvovirus B19, causes mild constitutional symptoms and a blotchy or maculopapular rash beginning on the cheeks and spreading primarily to exposed extremities. Diagnosis is clinical, and treatment is generally not needed. The disease is caused by human parvovirus B19. It occurs mostly during the spring, commonly causing localized outbreaks every few years among children (particularly those 5 to 7 yr). Spread appears to be by respiratory droplets, with high rates of secondary infection among household contacts; infection can occur without symptoms or signs. Parvovirus B19 causes transient suppression of erythropoiesis that is mild and asymptomatic except in patients with underlying hemoglobinopathies (eg, sickle cell disease) or other RBC disorders (eg, hereditary spherocytosis), who may develop transient aplastic crisis.

Erythema infectiosum more commonly known as Fifth disease is a peculiar disorder of the skin. A few days later a fish net like pattern of redness may appear on the arms and trunk. Infection is spread mainly by breathing in small droplets that have been breathed out by an infected person. The rash can be itchy and consists of raised, blotchy red areas and lacy patterns, particularly on areas of the arms not covered by clothing, because the rash may be worsened by exposure to sunlight. It usually starts with a rash on the face that spreads to other parts of the body. Erythema is a redness of the skin due to congestion of the capillaries, usually due to injury, infection, or inflammation. Erythema nodosum is a type of skin inflammation that is located in a certain portion of the fatty layer of skin. Erythema nodosum results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees. Erythema may result from a variety of causes, the aetiology or a specific type of lesion often being indicated by a modifying term. Erythema occurs mostly in children but can affect adults as well. Infection is most likely at 4 to 12 years of age, but nearly 60% of the population is seropositive by adulthood. Erythema infectiosum, commonly known as fifth disease.

Causes of Erythema Infectiosum

There are various factors which give rise to the disease Erythema Infectiosum, but here we mentioned some of the common causes: :

• Erythema infectiosum is caused by a virus called Parvovirus P19. Outbreaks tend to occur in late winter or early spring, in cycles every four to seven years.
• The virus is a parvovirus, but not related to the parvovirus that pets may get. 
• It is usually spread from person-to-person through direct contact with these secretions.
• It can also be spread from having a blood transfusion.

Symptoms of Erythema Infectiosum

Some of the common sign and symptoms of the disease Erythema Infectiosum are as follows

• Fever .
• Malaise.
• Mouth rash.
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat.
• Nausea or diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Irritation.
• Skin redness.
• Swelling of the leg.
• Conjunctival rash.

Treatment of Erythema Infectiosum

Find effective treatment methods of treating Erythema Infectiosum:

• Symptomatic treatment of fever, pain, or itching is all that is required
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may reduce symptoms. An oral potassium iodide (SSKI) solution may produce prompt resolution of the nodules.
• Topical therapy is not generally needed, although hot or cold compresses may reduce discomfort.
• Specific treatment for erythema nodosum will be determined by your physician based on the cause of the disorder and may include antibiotics and bed rest to relieve pain.
• Those with severe anemia may require blood transfusions and those with immune deficiencies may be treated with immune globulin.