Slapped cheek syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease) is common in children and should clear up on its own within 3 weeks. It's rarer in adults, but can be more serious.

Check if it's slapped cheek syndrome

The first sign of slapped cheek syndrome is usually feeling unwell for a few days.

Symptoms may include:

a high temperature of 38C or more
a runny nose and sore throat
a headache

A slapped cheek syndrome rash on the face. — A bright red rash may appear on both cheeks. It may look as if the cheeks have been slapped. Adults do not usually get the rash.

A slapped cheek syndrome rash on the body. — A few days later, a lighter-coloured rash may appear on the chest, arms and legs. The skin is raised and can be itchy.

How long it lasts

The cheek rash normally fades within 2 weeks.

The body rash also fades within 2 weeks, but sometimes comes and goes for up to a month, especially if you're exercising, hot, anxious or stressed.

Adults might also have joint pain and stiffness. This can continue for many weeks, even after the other symptoms have gone.

If you're not sure it's slapped cheek syndrome

Look at other rashes in babies and children.

You can also use our visual guide to baby rashes at the bottom of this page.

Things you can do yourself

You do not usually need to see a GP for slapped cheek syndrome.

There are some things you can do to ease symptoms while it clears up.

Do

rest
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – babies should continue their normal feeds
take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature, headaches or joint pain
use moisturiser on itchy skin
speak to a pharmacist if you have itchy skin – they can recommend the best antihistamine for children

Don't

do not give aspirin to children under 16

Important

Tell your midwife or a GP if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with slapped cheek syndrome.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you think you have slapped cheek syndrome and:

you're pregnant – there's a very small risk of miscarriage or other complications
you have a blood disorder, such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia – there's a risk of severe anaemia
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes

Ask for an urgent appointment if you have:

very pale skin
shortness of breath
extreme tiredness
fainting

These can be signs of severe anaemia and you might be sent to hospital for a blood transfusion.

How slapped cheek syndrome is spread

It's hard to avoid spreading slapped cheek syndrome because most people do not know they have it until they get the rash.

You can only spread it to other people before the rash appears.

Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus (parvovirus B19). The virus spreads to other people, surfaces or objects by coughing or sneezing near them.

To reduce the risk of spreading the virus: