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Roseola

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

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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