At a glance
- Fifth disease may cause bright cheeks followed by a lacy rash on the body. The rash can fade and return over several weeks.
- An otherwise healthy child is usually no longer contagious when the typical rash appears and may attend if well. Anemia or immune suppression can prolong contagiousness.
- Contact a clinician after exposure or symptoms if pregnant, immunocompromised, or living with a hemolytic blood disorder such as sickle cell disease.
- Most otherwise healthy children recover with symptom care. Marked pallor, unusual weakness, or breathlessness needs prompt medical assessment.
- Get emergency help for trouble breathing, difficulty waking, a stiff neck, or a child who is unwell with a purple or bruiselike rash that does not fade with pressure.
Assessment and recognition
Fifth disease may cause bright cheeks followed by a lacy rash on the body. The rash can fade and return over several weeks.
Care and follow-up
Most otherwise healthy children recover with symptom care. Marked pallor, unusual weakness, or breathlessness needs prompt medical assessment.
Contact a clinician after exposure or symptoms if pregnant, immunocompromised, or living with a hemolytic blood disorder such as sickle cell disease.
School and everyday life
An otherwise healthy child is usually no longer contagious when the typical rash appears and may attend if well. Anemia or immune suppression can prolong contagiousness.
Common questions
Can the fifth-disease rash come back?
Fifth disease may cause bright cheeks followed by a lacy rash on the body. The rash can fade and return over several weeks.
How is fifth disease treated?
Most otherwise healthy children recover with symptom care. Marked pallor, unusual weakness, or breathlessness needs prompt medical assessment.
Is fifth disease contagious after the rash appears?
An otherwise healthy child is usually no longer contagious when the typical rash appears and may attend if well. Anemia or immune suppression can prolong contagiousness.
Who needs advice after exposure to fifth disease?
Contact a clinician after exposure or symptoms if pregnant, immunocompromised, or living with a hemolytic blood disorder such as sickle cell disease.
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.