Welcome to GoodToKnow

Other sites in our network: What's on TV, Now, Pick Me Up, Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print FAQ & Help

Slapped cheek disease in children

Slapped cheek disease | Slapped cheek syndrome

goodtoknow says: Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that mainly happens in childhood. The virus causes a dramatic rash on your child's face, which makes them look as if they've just been slapped. Sometimes the rash fades then returns. It can also spread to the arms and legs. But although it looks severe, slapped cheek syndrome shouldn't make your child feel too ill and usually only lasts a few days. Liquid paracetamol will ease symptoms.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of slapped cheek disease from patient.co.uk, read on.

Slapped cheek disease is normally a mild, short illness. However, the rash may appear to be quite dramatic. No treatment is usually needed.

What is slapped cheek disease?

Slapped cheek disease is sometimes called Fifth Disease or Erythema Infectiosum. It is an infection caused by the Parvovirus B19 virus. It most commonly occurs in children aged 4-12 years, but anyone can be affected. It is infectious (can be passed on). The infectious period is for 4-20 days before the rash appears. By the time the rash develops, it is usually no longer infectious.

You normally have slapped cheek disease only once in a lifetime. This is because you make antibodies during the infection which protect you from future infections with this same virus.

Find out more

Find Expert Help

Your stories & tips

Your Stories
  • Be the first to share a story on this subject, click here


If you want to comment on this article, leave a tip or a story, please fill in the box below.

3 months

deborah greaves

I had never heard of slap cheek before until my 3 year old daughter had it. I found the information on this site very helpful and how to treat the infection. It has givin me a better idea of how the virus is passed on and what symptoms it has.

3 months

Jane Baker

I am just recovering from Slap Cheek - I'm 41 - amd I have been quite poorly.
My 4 children have all had slap cheek when they were small however, I did not.
My joints are very stiff and sore and so are my cheeks nearly 2 weeks after being diagnosed.
But thanks to this web site at least I kow I won't get it again.
thank you

9 months

annabella smith

Yes I did as I only found out about this virus yesterday and it did not sound very nice at all so your article has at least given me a better idea of the disease. thank you

Add Your Comments

Please enter the characters in the image:

Elsewhere on goodtoknow


Today's Top Competition

Win! Easy Wax Microwave kit, manicure, pedicure and GHD gift box

Win! Easy Wax Microwave kit, manicure, pedicure and GHD gift box

Get ready for summer with beauty treatments and goodies from Nair

Enter Previous winners



Story of the Day

Living with epilepsy: Hollie's story

Living with epilepsy: Hollie's story

Hollie is 12 and has a severe form of epilepsy - read her mum Clare's story of how they've got through it...

Read more Living with epilepsy: Hollie's story

Today's Tip:
Relieving back pain

Sprite_poll_logo

goodtoknow poll

Do you worry about your body weight more when it's summer?



To visit other sites in our network click here:


To visit one of our associated sites click here: