HOMOEOPATHY FOR FIFTH DISEASE IN CHILDREN

Fifth disease or Slapped cheek disease or  Parvovirus infection or Erythema infectiosum is a common and highly contagious childhood ailment — sometimes called slapped-cheek disease because of the distinctive face rash that develops. Parvovirus infection has also been known as fifth disease because, historically, it was one of five common childhood illnesses characterized by a rash.

In most children, parvovirus infection is mild and requires little treatment. However, in some adults, the infection can be serious. Parvovirus infection in some pregnant women can lead to serious health problems for the fetus. Parvovirus infection is also more serious for people with some kinds of anemia or who have a compromised immune system.

Cause-The human parvovirus B19 causes parvovirus infection. This is different from the parvovirus seen in dogs and cats, so you can't get the infection from a pet or vice versa.

Human parvovirus infection is most common among elementary school-age children during outbreaks in the winter and spring months, but anyone can become ill with it anytime of the year. It spreads from person to person, just like a cold, often through respiratory secretions and hand-to-hand contact.

Parvovirus infection can also spread through blood. A pregnant woman who is infected can pass the virus to her baby.

The illness is contagious in the week before the rash appears. Once the rash appears, the person with the illness is no longer considered contagious and doesn't need to be isolated.

Symptoms- Most people with parvovirus infection have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they vary greatly depending on the age of the person who has the disease.

Early signs and symptoms of parvovirus infection in children may include-Fever,Upset stomach, Headache, Runny nose

Several days after the appearance of early symptoms, a distinctive bright red facial rash may appear — usually on both cheeks. Eventually it may extend to the arms, trunk, thighs and buttocks, where the rash has a pink, lacy, slightly raised appearance. The rash may be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet

Generally, the rash occurs near the end of the illness. It's possible to mistake the rash for other viral rashes or a medicine-related rash. The rash may come and go for up to three weeks, becoming more visible when a child is exposed to extreme temperatures or spends time in the sun

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

APIS MEL 30-. —Apis mel is effective for fifth diseases and it is prescribed for skin rashes that feel hot and dry and are sensitive to touch; may be accompanied by sore throat; often the rash area is puffy & hard and can resemble a bee sting. The rash is stingy. Symptoms are relieved by cool drinks and baths and worsened by heat and warm liquids, they can have little or no thirst.

BELLADONNA 30-Belladonna is prescribed  when the condition comes on with a fast onset, the cheeks are very red with a radiating heat and can be accompanied by a high temperature & dilated pupils. Headache can be throbbing. May desire lemon or sharp flavored drinks

 CALENDULA 30 –Calendula is effective  for burns and skin lesions that are fairly superficial; often used after the acute phase of the skin condition has subsided to aid in complete recovery

FERUM PHOS 6X- Ferrum phos is effective for  slow onset, low grade fever and  nose bleed

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 30  — Rhus tox is best for  rashes, blisters and vesicles accompanied by intense itching that worsens at night and improves with the application of heat; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are generally restless and unable to get comfortable at night. Often have desire for milk or milk products. Often restless & can’t get comfortable. Can affect tendons & ligaments & have painful joints

SULPHUR 200- —Sulphur is effective for skin disorders that are accompanied by fever and intense itching; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are thirsty, irritable while sick, lazy