Slapped Cheek (Fifth Disease) in Children: Symptoms, Spread and Care
Quick answer
Slapped cheek (fifth disease) is a common, usually mild childhood virus. The giveaway sign is bright red cheeks that look slapped, often followed by a lacy pink rash on the body. It is caused by parvovirus B19, clears on its own in a week or two, and a child is generally past the contagious stage by the time the rash appears. Care is about comfort. The main caution is for pregnant women, who should see their doctor if exposed.
On this page
- What is slapped cheek (fifth disease)?
- What does the slapped cheek rash look like?
- Is slapped cheek contagious, and for how long?
- How long does slapped cheek last?
- Slapped cheek and pregnancy
- Caring for your child at home
- When to see a doctor
- School and childcare
- FAQs
What is slapped cheek (fifth disease)?
Slapped cheek syndrome, also called fifth disease, is a common viral infection in children caused by parvovirus B19. It is usually mild and most common in primary-school-aged children, often appearing in small outbreaks through the cooler months. It has nothing to do with parvovirus in dogs — the human virus only affects people.
What does the slapped cheek rash look like?
The first clear sign is bright red cheeks that look as though the child has been slapped. A few days later, a lacy or blotchy pink rash often appears on the arms, legs and trunk. It can come and go for a week or two, sometimes flaring up with heat, sunlight or exercise. Before the rash, children may have mild cold-like symptoms — a low fever, runny nose, sore throat or tiredness.
Is slapped cheek contagious, and for how long?
Yes, it spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and close contact. The catch is the timing: a child is most contagious in the days before the rash appears, while they have cold-like symptoms. Once the slapped-cheek rash is out, they are generally no longer infectious — which is why they usually do not need to stay home once the rash shows.
How long does slapped cheek last?
The bright red cheeks usually fade within a few days. The lacy body rash can linger and reappear on and off for one to three weeks. Most children feel well in themselves once the rash stage arrives.
Slapped cheek and pregnancy
This is the one situation to take seriously. Parvovirus B19 can occasionally affect an unborn baby. If you are pregnant and have been in contact with slapped cheek, or develop a rash yourself, contact your GP or midwife so they can advise and arrange any checks. Most pregnancies are not affected, but it is worth a call.
Caring for your child at home
There is no specific cure — the goal is comfort while it passes:
- Offer plenty of fluids and rest.
- Keep an eye on any fever with a forehead thermometer. For what is normal at different ages, see our guide to a baby's normal temperature.
- Help them feel comfortable. A FeverMates cooling patch can give 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
Slapped cheek 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:
- You are pregnant and have been exposed, or develop a rash
- Your child has a blood disorder or weakened immune system
- Your child looks very pale, unusually tired or breathless (rarely, the virus can affect red blood cells)
- You are unsure whether the rash is slapped cheek or something else
If your child is seriously unwell — very hard to wake or struggling to breathe — call 000.
School and childcare
Because children are no longer infectious once the rash appears, they do not usually need to be kept home once you see the slapped-cheek rash, as long as they feel well. Let your childcare centre or school know, as they may wish to alert other families, including pregnant staff and parents.
Frequently asked questions
Is slapped cheek contagious?
Yes, but mainly in the days before the rash appears, while the child has cold-like symptoms. Once the slapped-cheek rash is out, they are generally no longer infectious.
How long does slapped cheek last?
The red cheeks fade within a few days. The lacy rash on the body can come and go for one to three weeks, often flaring with heat or sunlight.
What does slapped cheek look like?
Bright red cheeks that look slapped, usually followed by a lacy or blotchy pink rash on the arms, legs and trunk, sometimes after a few days of mild cold-like symptoms.
Is slapped cheek dangerous in pregnancy?
It can occasionally affect an unborn baby, so if you are pregnant and exposed, or develop a rash, contact your GP or midwife. Most pregnancies are not affected.
Related reading
For other common childhood illnesses, see our guides to hand, foot and mouth disease and bringing down a toddler's fever. You can see 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.