Roseola in Babies and Toddlers: Symptoms, the Rash and Care

On this page

• What is roseola?
• The roseola rash: what it looks like
• Is roseola contagious?
• How long does roseola last?
• Caring for your child at home
• When to see a doctor
• FAQs

What is roseola?

Roseola (sometimes called roseola infantum or sixth disease) is a common viral illness, usually caused by human herpesvirus 6. It mostly affects babies and toddlers between six months and two years. It is almost always mild, and the most striking feature is its order: the fever comes first, the rash comes later.

The roseola rash: what it looks like

Roseola usually starts with a sudden high fever that lasts three to five days, often without other obvious symptoms. As the fever settles, a pink, slightly raised rash appears — typically starting on the trunk and spreading to the neck and limbs. The rash is not usually itchy or sore and fades within a day or two. By the time the rash shows, the child is often back to themselves.

Is roseola contagious?

Yes. It spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing and saliva, mainly during the fever stage before the rash appears. Good hand hygiene helps limit it — wash hands often and use hand sanitiser when soap and water are not handy.

How long does roseola last?

The fever usually lasts three to five days. The rash that follows generally fades within one to two days. Most children recover fully within about a week.

Caring for your child at home

There is no specific treatment — comfort and fluids are what matter while the virus passes:

• Offer regular fluids to prevent dehydration, especially while the fever is high.
• Keep track of the fever with a forehead thermometer. Our guides to a baby’s normal temperature and bringing down a toddler’s fever explain what is normal and what to watch.
• Help them feel comfortable. A FeverMates cooling patch offers a cooling sensation some children find soothing during a fever. A cooling patch is for comfort only — it does not lower a temperature.
• Pain or fever relief: your pharmacist or GP can advise whether paracetamol suits your child’s age and weight.

When to see a doctor

Roseola is usually mild, but see your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (or 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84 in Queensland) if your child:

• Is under three months old and has any fever
• Has a fever lasting more than five days
• Shows signs of dehydration (very few wet nappies, no tears, drowsiness)
• Is unusually drowsy, won’t settle, or you are worried

A high fever can sometimes trigger a febrile convulsion (a fit). It is frightening to watch but usually brief and not harmful. For what to do step by step, see our guide to febrile convulsions in children. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes, or your child is struggling to breathe, call 000.

Frequently asked questions

How long does roseola last?

The fever usually lasts three to five days, and the rash that follows fades within one to two days. Most children recover within about a week.

What is roseola?

A common mild virus in babies and toddlers, usually caused by human herpesvirus 6. It causes a high fever for a few days, then a pink rash as the fever breaks.

Is the roseola rash itchy?

No, the roseola rash is not usually itchy or sore. It is a pink, slightly raised rash that starts on the trunk and fades within a day or two.

Is roseola contagious?

Yes, mainly during the fever stage before the rash appears, through coughing, sneezing and saliva. Good hand hygiene helps limit the spread.

Related reading

See our guides to slapped cheek (fifth disease), febrile convulsions in children and hand, foot and mouth disease. You can browse the full FeverMates range in our online shop.

Sources

Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne; healthdirect Australia; Raising Children Network. Reviewed against Australian guidance.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s health, contact your GP, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or in an emergency call 000.