Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Recognize Fifth Disease

Recognize Fifth Disease


Fifth Disease, also known as Fifth's Disease, is a children's illness that occurs most commonly between the ages of 2 and 12. This viral infection is seen more often during the spring. Here's recognize symptoms of Fifth Disease in your child.








Instructions








1. Know the early symptoms of Fifth Disease: fever, cold symptoms, fatigue or headache. More rarely, joint pain can also be present.


2. Observe your child's face. One of the first symptoms that may be associated directly with Fifth Disease is a flushed look on your child's face. This sometimes looks like your child is either sunburned or that your her cheeks were slapped.


3. Pay attention to the appearance of the rest of your child's body. A rash will typically appear next on the legs, arms, buttocks and trunk. This rash, after several days, will start to fade from the inside out, creating a lace-like pattern. This lacy appearance is characteristic of Fifth Disease.


4. Visit your child's doctor. Usually he'll be able to recognize Fifth Disease with a simple examination. The appearance of the rash on your child is sometimes all it takes for the doctor to recognize this disease.


5. Allow your child to have a blood test if indicated. In some cases, the doctor may want to give your child a blood test to confirm the presence of the virus, Parvovirus B19, that causes Fifth Disease.

Tags: Fifth Disease, your child, blood test, child face, Recognize Fifth Disease, symptoms Fifth, symptoms Fifth Disease