Cases increase in spring, but what is it?

There is a highly contagious viral disease, usually common among children, that causes a rash and is commonly known as head disease. "slap in the face". — There is a highly contagious viral disease, usually common among children, that causes a rash and is commonly known as “slap on the wrist” disease.

If your child suddenly develops a rash on their cheeks, arms, or legs, He will most likely have a viral disease known as “fifth disease” or “slap on the wrist” disease.. This is erythema infectiosum or megaloerythema, which usually affects children between the ages of 5 and 14 years, although it can occur at any age.

It is characterized by a characteristic rash on the cheeks, hence its popular name “slapped cheek disease.” Symptoms are mild and their incidence tends to increase in the spring and summer.e. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the disease does not have a fixed pattern and affects groups of children who become infected from each other.

When the rash phase begins, i.e. Once the disease is detected, children are no longer contagioustherefore there is no need to isolate them or stop going to school.

What are the causes of this disease?

According to the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatricians (AEPap), the causative agent of this viral disease is parvovirus B19. This virus is highly contagious and exclusively human.This means that it cannot be transmitted between people and pets.

The rash on the face, starting with redness on the cheekbones, is somewhat reminiscent of the appearance after a blow, hence its common name. It subsequently spreads to the torso, arms and legs, lasts for three to five days. According to Pedro Gorrotxategui, president of AEPap, infection usually occurs mainly through the respiratory tract.

This virus is highly contagious and is limited to humans, meaning it cannot be transmitted between people and pets.

Besides the rash, Symptoms may include fever, headache, itchy or irritated throat, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhea.. The spots, which rarely appear on palm trees and plants, can be itchy.

Risks and treatment of erythema infectiosum

Pregnant women are at risk of passing the disease on to their fetus if they have not already contracted it.. This can lead to various complications such as fetal anemia or abortion, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, most adults have developed protection against the disease, reducing the risk for pregnant women.

Parvovirus B19 is the causative agent of erythema infectiosum or megaloerythema, a highly contagious disease, especially in spring and summer.

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, as there is no specific treatment for spanking disease.. For joint pain, which is more common in adults, analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. No vaccine against this disease caused by parvovirus B19, therefore good personal hygiene is recommended. You should also take steps to prevent the spread, such as washing your hands and covering your coughs or sneezes.

The condition usually resolves spontaneously within a week or two, although some residual pigmentation may remain on the skin.. Likewise, the rash may persist intermittently for weeks or months, especially under conditions of heat, sun exposure, exercise, or emotional stress.