Roseola Causes And Remedies
Roseola is a viral infection that usually affects children below two years of age. The symptoms of the infection are usually mild in nature. Rarely severe complications develop from this illness.
Roseola causes
Two strains of herpes virus are usually responsible for this disease. However, the strains of the herpes virus that cause roseola are different from the herpes virus strains that cause genital herpes and cold sores. Roseola is a contagious illness that spreads from person to person through the saliva or mucus of the person infected with roseola. Infants between 9 and 21 months are most vulnerable to this viral infection. However, the mother’s antibodies present in the bodies of newborns prevent them from contracting this viral infection.
Roseola symptoms
Sometimes children infected with roseola hardly exhibit any symptom of the disease. Noticeable symptoms of roseola infection include fever. Body temperature might soar above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The child may have sore throat, cough, runny nose and inflammation of glands. The fever usually subsides within a week. After the fever subsides, small pink rash might appear on the chest, abdomen, back, neck and hands. Some of the rashes are flat, whereas others might be raised.
Sometimes a white ring might encircle the rashes. The rashes do not itch. They might last for a few hours up to several days. The child might also experience fatigue, poor appetite, irritation, mild diarrhea and inflammation of eyelids. In rare cases, complications developing from roseola can cause seizure during high fever. For people with poor immunity, roseola, just like any other viral infection, can cause severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis and fatal brain inflammation.
Roseola treatment
With rest, sufficient fluid intake and medication for reducing fever, roseola could be easily treated. To prevent contracting the infection, keep your child away from individuals suffering from the disease. To prevent dehydration and to reduce the discomfort of your child, give him plenty of fluid to drink. Electrolyte solution, lemon drink and soups should be part of your child’s diet. For speedy recovery, herbal medicines containing Echinacea purpurea, withania somnifera or astragalus membranaceous that boost the immune system could be used.
