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.

• Next: What are the symptoms of slapped cheek disease?

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