Erythema infectiosum

Synonym(s)

Fifth disease, slapped-cheek disease, academy rash, Sticker's disease, Sticker disease

Definition

Childhood exanthem caused by human Parvovirus B19, in which a 3-phased cutaneous eruption follows a mild prodrome

Pathogenesis

Parvovirus B19 viremia; production of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies and subsequent formation of immune complexes; clinical findings probably result from the deposition of the immune complexes in the skin and joints

Clinical manifestation

4-14 day incubation period; virus spreads primarily via aerosolized respiratory droplets

Mild prodromal phase, including headache, coryza, low-grade fever, pharyngitis, and malaise

First stage: erythema of the cheeks, with nasal, perioral, and periorbital sparing (slapped-cheek appearance) and fades over 2-4 days

Second stage: within 1-4 days of the