Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease) Treatment & Management

  • Author: Glenn L Zellman, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 26, 2012
 

Medical Care

Because erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) most often is a benign self-limited disease, reassuring the parents often is the only intervention necessary.[13] For patients with arthralgias or pruritus, symptomatic relief can be obtained using oral analgesics and antihistamines or topical antipruritic lotions.

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Consultations

  • Dermatologist: Refer patients for diagnosis and dermatologic care.
  • Internal medicine specialist: Refer patients for associated conditions.
  • Obstetrician/gynecologist: Due to potential complications from intrauterine parvovirus B-19 (PV-B19) infection, refer pregnant women who have IgM antibodies to PV-B19 or who have been exposed to the virus. Maternal alpha-fetoprotein levels and serial ultrasounds followed through the pregnancy may help predict complications.
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Activity

Activities may be pursued as tolerated, with sun protection or avoidance.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Glenn L Zellman, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Tamarac, Florida

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Bernice R Krafchik, MBChB, FRCPC  Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Dermatology, University of Toronto

Bernice R Krafchik, MBChB, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, Canadian Medical Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard P Vinson, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Van Perry, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Classic slapped-cheek appearance of fifth disease.
Pathognomonic reticulated lacy-appearing eruption of fifth disease.
 
 
 
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