Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response
06:31

Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response

Published on: October 3, 2019

Erythema infectiosum

Janet Vafaie1, Robert A Schwartz

  • 1Department of Dermatology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103-2714, USA.

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|February 28, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Erythema infectiosum, or fifth disease, is a common childhood illness caused by B19 parvovirus. This review confirms its characteristic rash and symptoms, noting an excellent prognosis as it is typically self-limiting in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Virology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Erythema infectiosum, commonly known as fifth disease, is a frequent pediatric condition.
  • It is caused by the B19 parvovirus and presents with a distinct "slapped cheek" facial rash.
  • The rash may be followed by a reticulated eruption on the trunk and extremities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a concise review of erythema infectiosum.
  • To summarize key aspects of this common pediatric viral illness.

Main Methods:

  • This article is a review.
  • Content is organized into sections covering background, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, laboratory findings, prognosis, and management.

Main Results:

  • Erythema infectiosum is characterized by a prominent, classic rash.
  • Generalized symptoms are commonly observed in affected children.

Conclusions:

  • Despite distinctive symptoms, erythema infectiosum generally has an excellent prognosis.
  • The condition is typically self-limited in pediatric patients.

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...