What Is Red Cheeks Baby or Fifth Disease?
Babies are naturally born with a pink or red hue on their cheeks. Also, when they cry or laugh, the color of the cheeks turns pink or red. On the other hand, if the redness on the cheeks is persistently there for longer than usual time, it is an indication of a health issue. In this case, the parents or caregivers should immediately seek medical attention. The usual appearance of red cheeks in babies makes the solemnity of this viral infection neglected. With early diagnosis and proper care and treatment, the infection can be managed.
Red cheeks are commonly known as the fifth disease, slapped cheek, or erythema infectiosum. When blood vessels widen with blood flow, it appears as a light pink hue on the cheeks. Normally, exercise, excessive exposure to heat or cold, or emotional stress are responsible for this appearance. However, little ones have natural bloom on their cheeks, but when it shows prolonged redness with other symptoms, it is an indication of health issues. Lacy rashes are seen not only on the cheeks but also in other parts of the body, including the upper arm, torso, and legs. Although the symptoms are fairly mild, if left untreated, they can cause life-threatening situations. Pregnant women, immunocompromised adults, and people with blood disorders should take extra care for at least two to three weeks. Other symptoms can subside within this time frame with proper care; if not, an extensive treatment plan is required.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of the Red Cheeks Infection?
The infection commonly shows symptoms around the baby’s teething age, and in adults, there are some other symptoms that can be seen.
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Symptoms in Babies:
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Drooling.
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Disturbed sleep.
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Flushed cheeks.
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Chewing fingers or objects.
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Swollen gums and tooth bud appearance.
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Mild fever.
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Rashes.
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Running nose.
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Irritability.
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Symptoms in Adults:
What Are the Red Cheek Syndrome Mimickers?
There are several disorders resembling the red cheek condition such as:
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Measles.
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Rubella.
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Scarlet fever.
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Drug eruptions.
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Atopic dermatitis.
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Drool rash.
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Teething rash.
What Are the Causes of Red Cheeks Infection?
The slapped cheeks syndrome is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19 spreading through respiratory secretions like sputum or saliva or nasal secretion. It is most infectious when the infected person has a mild fever or sore throat and at its weakest when they already show symptoms like redness of cheeks or rashes on their body.
Is the Red Cheeks Infection Contagious?
The following details show the reason behind this question, such as:
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It is hard to maintain sanitization when it is for young ones. Spreading awareness and educating parents about the viral infection itself is very difficult.
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With symptoms like viral flu, it is commonly mistaken for the same. It only grabs a person’s attention when a rash on the body appears, but by that time, it has already run its course.
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According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), “there are three eruptive stages of this disease; erythema- redness on the face, lacy net-like pattern- rashes on extremities, recurrent stage- usually invisible but aggravates in excessive heat or sun exposure.”
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Moreover, if young adults are trained to wash their hands regularly, use sanitizer, or cover their mouths before sneezing, it can possibly be prevented from spreading.
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Despite the fact that once the rash appears, it is not contagious to others, it can cause long-lasting effects like anemia or arthritis.
What Are Treatment Options for Red Cheeks Infection?
Despite the advancement in medicine, there is no vaccination available on the market for the fifth disease. Only preventing your child from possible exposure to the virus is the only option to stop the spread.
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It takes almost 14 days to clear up the redness and rashes on its own. Symptoms like eczema take a bit longer to heal, but they can be treated fast with the external application of ointments.
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For conditions such as atopic dermatitis, even contact with allergens, topical irritants, or various foods can worsen the condition. In cases like this, the change in the environmental factors affecting the condition can solve the complications. In addition to that, one percent Hydrocortisone cream is recommended to apply twice a day to affected areas.
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In the cases of bacterial infection of Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus aureus, the children are given drug therapy. The young ones are treated with Cephalexin suspension orally twice a day for seven days.
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For children, bathing them regularly with room temperature water and using a moisturizer after a bath can hinder the growth of dry and itchy patches. The rashes solve on their own; nevertheless, keeping skin humid with cream or lotion or using a humidifier can be of great use.
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Additionally, oral medication like Antihistamines can give relief from itching and scratching. And for headaches or fever, Ibuprofen can be given according to the doctor’s prescription.
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Parents should keep an eye on the usage of face wipes as they can cause cracked lips or skin, aggravating the rashes. Also, after every wipe, using a cream or moisturizer can help prevent this situation.
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In steroid therapy, the doctors consider many factors, such as the severity of the condition, the site involved, age, and if the patch is dry or exudative. To avoid skin atrophy, the doctors recommend steroids for the thinnest skin area, such as the face or genitals. However, due to higher chances of systemic absorption, the children are not recommended for this mode of treatment.
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Also, the use of baby products such as baby powder, moisturizers, shampoo, or soap is recommended to switch from fragranced to non-fragranced.
Conclusion
Even though the condition looks short-lived, it is essential to keep an eye on the spread of contamination of the disease. Seeking a doctor’s help when seeing the first symptoms can be advantageous. Parents or caregivers should give healthcare providers the exact onset of symptoms and take some time before socializing or sending children to school or daycare.
