What is that illness that presents with bright, red cheeks, as if your child had been slapped hard? I can't remember the name of it. Also, is it common with three year olds, or is that too old? And finally, my three year old only has ONE cheek like that. It just suddenly appeared, for no reason that I can see. She's had a cough, but other than that seems perfectly fine. Any ideas?

By Texannie on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 06:51 pm:

Fifths?

By Annie2 on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 10:03 pm:

If it has a "lace" pattern to it, it is probably Fifth's.

By Fraggle on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 10:17 pm:

I had fifth's disease about 5 years ago-cheeks were bright red and the lacy pattern was just on my hands and arms. I had a fever before the rash broke out days later though.

One other thing I was thinking-has she had a runny nose? My daughter had one bright red cheek all of a sudden and I couldn't figure out what was going on-well I finally caught her wiping her sleeve across her nose and onto her cheek and figured it out. She usually is good about tissues (she's 4).

By Kaseys on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 10:20 pm:

Hi Kate, my 3 yr old had the Fifths Disease last January and I was pregnant, in the last few weeks of my first trimester and in turn we lost our baby. I don't mean to scare you but if you are pregnant I just wanted you to be aware.

By Kate on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 11:22 pm:

Thanks everyone. It was Fifths I was thinking of. No, no runny nose, just a bright, red, hot cheek. It ended up fading and cooling after an hour. Weird. We'll see how she is tomorrow.

Kasey, thanks so much for your concern! I'm not pregnant, but I appreciate the advice!

By Trisa on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 08:15 am:

My dd had this 2 months ago. It took awhile to go away. I have also heard it called slapped cheek.
She got it on some other parts of her body as well.

By Robin on Sunday, January 18, 2004 - 12:11 pm:

My son had this in kindergarten. From what I understand from my doctor (although I have heard different points of view), this is contagious during the stages before the rash breaks out. Once you can see the rash, it is no longer contagious. There is no medication except for fever-reducing such as Motrin or Tylenol.