Download Slapped face syndrome

PATIENT INFORMATION
Slapped face syndrome
Red, “slapped
cheek”
appearance in
well child
Large
lymph
glands
Typical distribution
of rash
What is slapped face syndrome?
Slapped face syndrome is a relatively
common viral infection recognised by a
bright red face, as though it has been
slapped.
It is also called erythema infectiosum and
fifth disease because it is fifth in line after
the other well-known infections that cause a
similar rash, namely, measles, rubella, scarlet fever and a general non-specific viral
infection.
school-aged children from four to 10 years
but can occur in adults.
What is the cause of slapped face
syndrome?
It is caused by the virus — parvovirus
B19. It is spread from person to person
by droplets travelling through the air from
the nose or mouth of an infected person. It
can also be spread by direct contact. It
tends to occur in focal groups in the community.
The incubation period (period from contact to the appearance of symptoms) is from
four to 21 days. It is highly infectious until
the rash appears.
What is the nature of the rash?
At first a bright-red rash appears on the
face but leaves a pale area around the lips.
After a day or so it appears on the arms
and legs and also possibly on the trunk.
The rash lasts only for 2-3 days but may
reappear on and off for several weeks.
It is not unusual for the cheeks to become
red again on exposure to sunlight or to wind
or after a hot bath.
This does cause concern for parents but it
is really nothing to worry about. The rash
may be itchy.
Adults tend to have a more severe illness
that can resemble rubella. The main features are a florid rash and joint pain.
Who gets slapped face syndrome?
It usually occurs in young preschool and
What are the symptoms and signs?
• A bright rash mainly on the face, arms
and legs.
• Feeling vaguely unwell.
• Mild fever (in about one-third of patients).
• Pain in the joints (usually only in adults).
• Enlarged glands (lymph nodes) in the
neck.
What are the risks?
Slapped face syndrome is invariably a
mild illness, the main problem being its
relapsing nature and the associated joint
symptoms.
While there is a risk of miscarriage and
foetal death should a pregnant woman
acquire the infection, the risk is extremely
low and is confined to the first half of pregnancy.
Tests are available for pregnant women
who have been exposed to the virus.
What is the treatment?
There is no special drug to treat the illness so the treatment is supportive and
symptomatic as follows:
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take paracetamol for fever.
• If itchy, daub a soothing anti-itch lotion
such as Pinetarsol or calamine lotion.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat when outside.
Adults may need stronger analgesics or
anti-inflammatory medication for joint
pain.
AUTHOR: PROFESSOR JOHN MURTAGH
Copyright of Professor John Murtagh and Australian Doctor. This patient handout may be photocopied or printed out by a doctor free of charge for patient information purposes.