Fifth disease

This is a viral disease with an incubation period of 5 to 14 days.

It occurs in three stages:

Rash on the face which is red, slightly raised and usually fades in 1 to 4 days. The rash looks as if the patient's cheek has been slapped.

Rash on feet, hands and extremities that fades in 6 to 10 days and leaves a lace-like pattern as it fades.

Rash may reappear when heat, cold, trauma or sunlight irritates the skin.

There is usually no fever or just a very mild fever. The disease is contagious for 7 to 10 days. Avoid contact with pregnant women. 

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Fox Valley Family Physicians
2425 Fargo Boulevard, Geneva, Illinois 60134
Phone: (630) 232-2200   Fax: (630) 232-1940