Version July 2025
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What is roseola? —
This is an infection that causes a fever that lasts 3 to 5 days and then a rash. It is common in children younger than 2 years old. Roseola can be scary for parents, because it can cause a high fever. But usually, the condition is not serious and goes away without treatment.
What are the symptoms of roseola? —
The main symptoms are:
●Fever:
•Might get as high as 104°F (40°C) or above
•Lasts 3 to 5 days
●Rash (picture 1):
•Starts as the fever is going away
•Shows up first on the neck, chest, and belly, and then spreads to the face, arms, and legs
•Can be pink-reddish in color
•Might be harder to see on children with darker skin
•Normally does not itch
•Lasts for 1 to 2 days in most children, but might come and go within 2 to 4 hours
Despite the fever and rash, most children with roseola do not seem sick. But some do get other symptoms, like:
●Being tired
●Being fussy
●Not being hungry
●Swollen eyelids
●Swelling in the neck or behind the ears
How is roseola treated? —
There is no treatment. The infection usually goes away on its own. But some children get medicines to bring down their fever.
What can I do on my own to help my child? —
When your child has a fever, you should:
●Offer them lots of fluids to drink. Call their doctor or nurse if your child won't or can't drink fluids for longer than a few hours.
●Encourage your child to rest as much as they want.
Medicines like acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) can help bring down a fever. But children don't usually need medicine for a fever unless they are uncomfortable. Ask their doctor or nurse about giving medicine for a fever.
Never give your child aspirin. Aspirin can cause a dangerous condition called Reye syndrome in children under 18 years.
Should my child see a doctor or nurse? —
Take your child to see the doctor or nurse if they are:
●Younger than 3 months, and have a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Any infant with a fever this high should see a doctor or nurse, even if they look normal or seem fine.
●Between 3 and 36 months old, and have a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for longer than 3 days. Go right away if your child seems sick or is fussy, clingy, or refuses to drink.
●Between 3 and 36 months old, and have a rectal temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
Children of any age should also see a doctor or nurse if they have:
●Oral, rectal, ear, or forehead temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
●Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
●A seizure caused by a fever
●Fevers that keep coming back, even if they last only a few hours
●A fever as well as an ongoing medical problem, like heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia
●A fever as well as a new skin rash
Will my child need tests? —
Probably not. The doctor or nurse will probably be able to tell if your child has roseola by learning about their symptoms and doing an exam.
Patient education: Fever in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Giving your child medicines (The Basics)
