Slapped Cheek Syndrome (Fifth Disease, Erythema Infectiosum) | Medtick
Medtick

Slapped Cheek Syndrome (Fifth Disease, Erythema Infectiosum)

What is it?

It is a viral infection that can be caught just like a cold or flu and via nasal secretions. It is highly infection as the condition can spread before a rash appears.

  • It is a mild condition where some have no symptoms at all.
  • The illness usually last up to 7 -10 days but symptoms of rash can last up to five weeks (and can reoccur in hot, warm climates, when one exercise, has fever or is stressed).
Patients with conditions such as H.I.V, Blood disorders, sickle cell disease and/or thalassemia are at increased risk

Contagious

Slapped cheek is spread by touching or breathing in the coughed or sneezed fluid drops from an infected person before a rash appears. Children with slapped cheek are contagious until 24 hours after their fever has resolved. They will not be able to spread the infection to other people after this time, even if they have a rash.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation

Diagnosis tests

  • Clinical Examination
  • PCR tests
  • Serology tests
  • Blood tests – check for anaemia

Medication

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used under medical supervision, however Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you.

Cause

Medication

Symptoms

  • Mild fever (one feels hot) with mild runny nose?
  • Eye pain behind the eye and/or eyelid heaviness causing an aching headache?
  • Hoagland sign – early and transient oedema (swelling) of upper eyelids (mainly adults)?
  • Mild cough – can be chesty or dry?
  • General rash Petechiae – Tiny spots of bleeding under the skin or in the mucous membranes (mouth or eyelids)?
  • First stage rash: Bright red rash on both cheeks?
  • Second stage rash : May spread to chest, stomach, arms and thighs which are itchy (can last for five weeks)?
  • Third stage rash: Rash eruption fades leaving behind a lacey pattern?
  • Joint pain or stiffness in hands, knees, wrist, ankles (particularly in adults)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can worsen symptoms of:

This condition can lead to:

General tips:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Slapped Cheek Syndrome (Fifth Disease, Erythema Infectiosum) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

Medtick

© Medtick - 2026. All Rights Reserved.