Slapped Cheek Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Whether you’ve just noticed that you’re suddenly feeling funny, or you’ve been diagnosed with Slapped Cheek Syndrome, you’ll be glad to know that there are treatments available to help you. Learn all about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of this condition in this article.
Symptoms
Normally, slapped cheek syndrome is mild. However, in people with immune system disorders, the symptoms can be severe. Therefore, it’s important to seek medical help.
The rash usually starts over the cheeks and spreads to the arms and legs. In some cases, it will also appear on the abdomen and chest. It’s painful and can last for weeks. Some children with the condition may need to be hospitalized.
This disease is caused by the erythrovirus, or human parvovirus B19. It is passed to people by inhaling droplets from coughs or sneezes. It’s a very common illness. It’s rare in adults, but it is more common in children. It can be a serious condition for pregnant women, so it’s important to contact your doctor if you suspect you have slapped cheek.
The most common symptom of slapped cheek disease is a rash that appears on the face and is red and blotchy. The rash may look worse when you’re in the sun. If the rash is painful, NSAIDs and oral acetaminophen can be used to relieve the pain. It’s also important to take rest and stay hydrated to avoid dehydration.
In people with weakened immune systems, the rash may return several times, sometimes for up to several weeks. The return of the rashes could be caused by fever, sunlight, heat, or emotional stress. If the rash is red and doesn’t go away, it’s possible the child has a meningococcal infection. You should contact your GP, who can refer you to a specialist.
Although slapped cheek usually gets better on its own, the disease is not a vaccine. It can be difficult to control the spread of the disease. It’s also possible for the rash to spread to other parts of the body. This may cause other complications. For example, the condition can cause fetal hydrops, when extra fluid accumulates in developing baby tissues. This can lead to heart failure and anemia. If you’re pregnant and think you might have slapped cheek, get a blood test right away.
If you have questions about slapped cheek, talk to your doctor or a nurse. If you’re a caregiver for someone who has slapped cheek, notify your line manager.
Causes
Generally, slapped cheek syndrome is a mild, self-limiting disease. However, it can develop into an illness that can be life-threatening. This condition can cause pain and swelling of the joints. It can also lead to anemia. In addition, it is very contagious.
The slapped cheek syndrome virus can be passed to others through contact with infected people. This infection usually starts with a headache and fever. In some cases, children may experience joint pain.
This type of infection can be serious in pregnant women and adults. In severe cases, hemoglobin can drop too low and may result in heart failure. In some cases, blood transfusions or a blood-letting procedure are required. If a child is experiencing symptoms of slapped cheek, it is important to see a doctor.
Fifth Disease is a viral illness that can affect both adults and children. It is caused by the parvovirus B19 virus. The rash, which is bright red, can appear on the face or in the limbs. The symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu.
The slapped cheek syndrome is very common among babies, infants, and toddlers. It typically returns for about five days. Some babies may not have any symptoms at all.
In some cases, the rash can spread to the trunk. The rash can be itchy and can be red and light pink. A few children may also experience swelling in the joints. The pain can last for months or years.
Slapped cheek disease is most often spread through coughing and sneezing. Infected people can also pass the virus to other people through saliva droplets. It is also possible to transfer the disease to an unborn baby. This can be especially dangerous if the mother is infected before 20 weeks of pregnancy. If a woman is exposed to the virus before birth, it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
In rare cases, this disease can lead to meningitis. This infection can also lead to chronic anemia in children. In the most extreme cases, it can be fatal. This disease can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Treatment
Symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome usually appear between four and fourteen days after infection. Its initial symptoms are fever, headache, sore throat, and stomach upset. If these symptoms are severe, you should talk with your doctor.
The disease is caused by a virus, known as parvovirus B19. The virus lives in the cells of your blood. It can affect people with a weak immune system but is harmless for healthy people. The disease can cause severe anemia, which can lead to blood transfusions.
A rash that appears on the cheeks, arms, ankles, and thighs can also occur. This rash is red and can be itchy. In most cases, it will disappear within two weeks. Some people will not have a rash at all.
If your child has a rash, you should take him or her to the doctor. The doctor may order a blood test to find out what is causing the rash. The blood test may show that your child has slapped cheek syndrome. If the test is positive, your doctor will give you medicine to relieve the pain.
Your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen for joint pain and fever. You can also buy over-the-counter medicine such as paracetamol or acetaminophen for pain. Antihistamines can help to relieve itching.
Children who are infected with slapped cheek are not contagious until 24 hours after their fever has gone away. You may be concerned that your child will spread the disease to others. In fact, most children who are infected with slapped face stop being infectious after their fever goes away. This is because the disease is caught by airborne droplets of saliva from coughs. You should wash your hands regularly to prevent the disease.
Pregnant women are also at risk of getting slapped cheek. This is because the virus can harm the unborn baby. The risk of miscarriage increases in women who are infected before 20 weeks of pregnancy. A miscarriage can be fatal. You should contact your doctor immediately if you think your child is infected with slapped cheek.
The disease is most commonly seen in children. However, it can affect adults. Symptoms include joint pain, aches, and stiffness. If the rash is very itchy, you may want to apply calamine lotion.
Prevention
Usually a mild illness, slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that spreads by coughing, sneezing, and touching an infected person. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. Children are most likely to contract the virus while they are at school or nursery.
The most common symptoms of slapped cheek are fever and a rash on the face. It is also possible for people to have swollen wrists, knees and ankles. It can last for months or years, though it is rare for swollen joints to cause severe pain.
While slapped cheek disease is relatively common, it can cause some serious complications if it is contracted by adults. It is very contagious, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent it from spreading.
Symptoms of slapped cheek are usually mild and will go away in a few weeks. But if your child develops anemia or joint pain, see a doctor. Those who have a weakened immune system are more prone to slapped cheek. A blood test can reveal whether your child has the condition.
There are no vaccines or antibiotics to treat slapped cheek. However, treatment can be started as soon as possible to avoid the risk of complications. Your child can also receive ibuprofen to help ease aches and pains. If you suspect your child has slapped cheek, contact your GP for a referral.
Most people who have slapped cheek are healthy. However, there is a slight risk of anemia if you have a weakened immune system. Those who have a weakened blood cell count may require a red blood cell transfusion. Those who have sickle cell anemia should also see a GP for advice.
Slapped cheek disease isn’t a life-threatening disease, but it can be very dangerous for pregnant women. A few children with the disease develop swollen joints. It’s also possible for the virus to cause anemia. If your child has a weakened immune system or is pregnant, speak to your GP for advice.
The best prevention of slapped cheek is to make sure you and your family wash your hands regularly. It’s also a good idea to keep sick children at home.
Health Sources:
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
