With the cooler weather on us all our favorite viral infections will start to appear. Included in this is the "slapped - cheek disease" Erythema infectiosum.
Erythema Infectiosum
- An acute viral illness caused by parvovirus B-19
- Usually is seen in the winter and spring months
- Presents with mild fever, itching, headache, and arthralgias
- Usually have an erythematous, erysipeloid rash on the cheeks (slapped look) and a reticular rash (lace-like) on the arms
- No test are needed
- Management is supportive
- Children with chronic hemolytic anemias can develop an aplastic crisis from this infection