Roseola, also called Exanthem Subitum and Sixth Disease, is a common skin rash that I encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology clinics. It is caused by the viruses human herpes virus (HHV) 6 and 7. Children between 6 months and 3 years old are most often affected with Roseola and initially present with sudden high fever. Occasionally, children with Roseola also experience convulsions and my have lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes). After 4 days of fever, it suddenly resolves and a morbilliform rash appears consisting of rose colored macules on the neck, chest, back, and buttocks. The rash occasionally occurs on the face and extremities. A common hallmark in viral induced rashes is a white halo around the red areas comprising the rash, which is usually seen in Roseola. The mucous membranes are usually not involved. The rash typically resolves 2 days after it initially appears. There is no treatment for Roseola as it is a self limiting disease.
