Contagious erythema, also known as “fifth disease,” is a viral disease that mainly affects children.
It is caused by parvovirus B19 and most often occurs in preschool and early school age children.
What should we do if our child gets infectious erythema and when can he return to kindergarten?
Infectious erythema – symptoms
The first step to appropriate management is to recognize the symptoms of the disease. Infectious erythema in children is characterized by several stages of development, and the most important symptoms include:
- Cheek rash – this is the most characteristic symptom of infectious erythema.
It has an intense red color and resembles a bump mark.
It is one of the first symptoms, which usually appears a few days after infection. - Body rash – the next stage is the spread of the rash to other parts of the body.
Skin lesions may appear on the arms, torso, buttocks and legs.
The rash often takes the shape of a mesh or lace, which is typical of infectious erythema. - Fever and general weakness – along with the rash, children may experience a slight fever, headache, muscle aches and general weakness.
These symptoms can be mistaken for a cold or flu, so it is important to pay attention to the characteristic rash.
Transmission of erythema contagiosum and infectious period
Infectious erythema is transmitted by the droplet route, and infection most often occurs during the incubation period, that is, before symptoms even appear.
The child ceases to be contagious when the rash appears.
It is worth noting that many children go through erythema contagiosum asymptomatically, making it difficult to control the spread of the virus.
Infectious erythema – treatment
The disease is usually mild and does not require specialized treatment.
Treatment is symptomatic.
Below are its most important aspects:
- Rest – during illness, the child should avoid excessive exertion.
Rest allows the body to focus on fighting the virus and speeds up recovery. - Hydration – this is crucial, especially if your child has a fever.
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas or juices, helps keep the body hydrated. - Antipyretics – antipyretics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for fever.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the information on the drug’s leaflet.
It is important to monitor your child’s condition during the illness and contact your doctor if it worsens.
Although erythema contagiosum in children is usually a mild disease, in some cases it can lead to complications, especially in children with weakened immune systems.
Infectious erythema in children – when can they return to kindergarten?
One of the most frequently asked questions by parents is when a child can return to kindergarten after suffering from infectious erythema.
According to the guidelines and taking into account the specifics of the Kindergarten Motylek 3 the child can return to kindergarten when the symptoms of the rash have subsided and there are no other symptoms of the disease, such as fever or weakness.
This is usually about 7-10 days after the first symptoms appear.
This is important to ensure the safety and health of all children in the kindergarten.
Before returning to kindergarten, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.
The doctor will assess your child’s health and confirm that he or she is ready to return to kindergarten.
This is especially important for children with compromised immunity or chronic illnesses.
Kindergarten Butterfly 3 cares about the safety of all children, so it is important for parents to follow these guidelines and not send a sick child to kindergarten too early.
Preventing the spread of infectious erythema in children
To minimize the risk of infections in the nursery, follow a few simple rules:
- Regular hand washing – hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of viruses.
Children should wash their hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
Disinfectant dispensers can be installed in the nursery to make it easier for children to take care of their hygiene. - Avoiding close contact with sick people – it is worth teaching children to avoid close contact with sick people.
If there is a person infected with infectious erythema in the family, the child’s contact with this person should be kept to a minimum. - Covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing – teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or elbow when sneezing and coughing.
This is a simple but effective way to prevent the spread of viruses.
Infectious erythema and a child in kindergarten
Infectious erythema is a disease that can be easily contracted in the preschool environment. Adherence to hygiene rules and proper management of a child’s illness are crucial to the health of all children in the kindergarten.
Let ‘ s remember that a child should return to Butterfly 3 Preschool only after the symptoms have subsided to ensure the safety of all preschoolers.
While we care about the health of our children, we also care about the health of the entire preschool community.
We encourage parents to work closely with the preschool and doctors to ensure the best possible care and safety for our children.
Following these simple rules will help us work together to create a healthy and safe environment for all preschoolers.
