Sign
Slapped cheek rash
The slapped cheek rash is a red facial eruption seen in parvovirus B19 infection, the illness known as fifth disease.
Also called: slapped cheeks
- Found
- The face, in parvovirus B19 infection.
- Normal
- No red facial eruption is present.
- Abnormal
- A red rash on the face.
- Suggests
- Parvovirus B19 infection, also called fifth disease.
Children with parvovirus B19 infection often develop redness across the cheeks, which gives the sign its name. It usually appears a few days after the fever or flu-like phase, and it is more common in children than in adults. A more general rash can follow on the chest, back, arms and legs, and as it fades it may look lacy. The rash matters because the infection is usually mild in healthy people, but it can cause serious complications in people with blood disorders or a weakened immune system.