Causes and risk factors
It is commonly seen in children aged between 2 and 14 in particular, and at times, some people in the other age groups. Human parvovirus B19 is the causative organism. Infection is common during late winter and early spring. A person can spread disease when they have flu-like symptoms or before the onset of the rash. Mode of transmission is by inhalation of droplets in air released due to sneezing and coughing from the infected person; from infected mother to her unborn baby.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with low-grade fever, runny nose, headache, sore throat, bright red rash first on the cheeks and then on other parts of the body. It appears as if someone has slapped on the cheek. Painful joints are common in adults, especially women.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the dermatologist helps in diagnosis. Presence of ‘slapped cheek rash’ is characteristic of the erythema infectiosum.
Treatment
No treatment is required most of the times as the condition is extremely mild. Adequate rest and plenty of fluids are recommended. Child should be kept at home during the infectious stage. Symptomatic treatment such as antipyretic, analgesics may be prescribed.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating erythema infectiosum. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates is also found to be effective in treating erythema infectiosum.
