Background
Also called fifth disease.
Diagnosis
H&P:
Ddx
Cause: Parvovirus B19, an erythrovirus.
Typical presentation: A prodrome of low-grade fever sore throat, nausea, headache, malaise, followed a few days later by a characteristic erythematous facial rash on the cheeks that is classically described as a slapped-cheek appearance and lacy exanthem. The rash only lasts a few days and then fades. “A lacy reticular rash develops on the extremities. When the rash appears, the patient is no longer contagious.
-“The child will typically have mild symptoms then an erythematous facial rash that has a “slapped cheek” appearance. This is sometimes followed by pink patches and macules in a reticular pattern. Once the rash appears the child is no longer contagious.” ABFM critique.
Diagnostic studies.
Treatment
-Reassured the parents of the benign and self-limited condition of the disease.
-NSAIDs for symptomatic relief of fever, malaise, headache, and arthralgia.
-Benadryl for pruritus.
-Plenty of fluids and rest.
-Return to school in ___ days.
Resources
Read this link for presentation: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1132078-overview
https://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusb19/fifth-disease.html
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Saw two patients with the fifth disease on two consecutive days at the end of December in a pediatric provider’s office. It turns out, she said, when Parvo B19 is going around, you should expect to see more of them.
Why is it called Fifth disease?