How to 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 how to 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.