Roseola
Also called Sixth disease
- Typical age
- 6 months–2 years
- Where
- chest, back, tummy, neck
- Fever
- yes
- Itchy
- no
- Contagious
- Yes
- Usually lasts
- Fever 3–5 days, then rash 1–2 days
What it looks like
Small pink flat or slightly raised spots that appear on the trunk AFTER 3–5 days of high fever, just as the fever breaks.
On brown and black skin, redness may look purple, grey or darker than surrounding skin; texture (raised, rough, blistered) is often the better clue.
What causes it
Human herpesvirus 6 or 7. Spread through saliva, mostly during the fever phase before the rash appears.
What helps at home
- Keep your child comfortable and offer plenty of fluids.
- Treat fever for comfort, not to reach a number.
- Once the rash appears and the fever is gone, the contagious period is usually over.
When to call about roseola
Call 911 or go to the ER now
- A febrile seizure (shaking, stiffening, unresponsive), even if it stops quickly: call 911 for a first seizure
- Under 3 months with any fever
- Rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it (possible petechiae or purpura)
- Baby under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Call your pediatrician today
- Fever over 104°F (40°C) or lasting more than 3 days
- Rash still present after 3 days
- Weakened immune system
General guidance based on AAP, NHS and CDC advice, not a diagnosis. If your gut says something is wrong, call your pediatrician or nurse line. You never need permission to seek care.
Questions parents ask
Why did the rash appear after the fever?
That timing is the classic roseola clue: several days of high fever, then a pink rash on the trunk as the child starts feeling better.
Rashes often confused with roseola
- Heat rash · neck, chest, armpits
- Erythema toxicum · chest, face, arms
- Chickenpox · face, chest, back