Slapped cheek
Slapped cheek (also known as fifth disease) is an infection that usually affects children. It causes bright red cheeks – like you’ve been slapped – and a lace-like rash on the body.
Slapped cheek is usually a mild illness. It looks like a cold to begin with, and then the rash and red cheeks develop (within three days). It’s caused by a virus called parvovirus B19, and is spread by coughing and sneezing.
Pregnant women, and people with impaired immunity and some blood diseases can get complications from this disease and should see their family doctor if they think they have been exposed.
For more information on slapped cheek, check out the websites below.
Related websites
DermNet
DermNet has a page on fifth disease that includes pictures of what the rash looks like.
NHS Choices
Information from the UK National Health Service.
Better Health Channel
The Victoria (Australia) state government provides online consumer-focused health and medical information.
Page last updated: 22 June 2012
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