Roseola (roseola infantum) is a mild viral illness affecting young children. The condition is characterized by a sudden high fever [103F to 105F] followed by a rosy-pink rash appearing mostly on the torso, neck, and arms.
Fever seizures may occur with the illness because of the rapid increase in a child's temperature. The fever may last 2 to 3 days. As a child's temperature gradually drops, the rash usually forms and lasts 1 to 2 days.
Roseola is most common in children 6 months to 2 years of age. It is rare after age 4.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise