Kids' health - common conditions: Slapped cheek syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome

What is it? A viral infection that causes a dramatic rash on your face.

What are the symptoms? Typical things to watch out for are:
- Bright red rash, usually on one side of the face.
- A mild fever
Many children get no symptoms at all.

What should I do? Very little. Your child's body will produce antibodies to fight the infection. Keep the temperature down with lots of drinks and paracetamol if it's very bad.

How long will it last? The rash is very short-lived, no more than a week, although your child is infectious for anything from 4-20 days before it appears.

When will they get it? Children of any age can get it, but it's most common in those aged 4-12.

What if my child doesn't get it? You can get it as an adult, although it's not common. The infection is very mild, anyway, and not serious as an adult. However, as with many illnesses, pregnant women have to careful.

- Find out more about scarlet fever in children

More common conditions

- Appendicitis
- Chicken pox
- Croup
- German measles/Rubella
- Glue ear
- Head lice/Nits
- Measles
- Mumps
- Ringworm
- Scarlet fever