Roseola

It is important to know this disease - not so much be­cause it gives rise to any anxiety or trouble, as that it is likely to be confounded with measles and scarlet fever. Roseola is not generally considered to be a contagious disease, but rather occurs in an epidemic form. The eruption is preceded by some febrile symptoms; the rash is not much raised above the level of the surrounding part, and is of a rose color. It is in fact an erythema of a rosy hue. The eruption is patchy, and its color deepens somewhat as the disease advances. It is accompanied by slight itch­ing and sensation of heat. Before the eruption makes its appearance, and during the slight febrile symptoms, a slight redness of the mucous surfaces of the palate and fauces will be noticed on inspection of these parts. When not epidemic, roseola seems to depend chiefly upon de­rangements of the digestive apparatus as a producing cause, though it may likewise be due to sudden changes of temperature, violent exercise, taking cold drinks while the body is warm and perspiring, etc.

The eruption may appear suddenly during the night, and cover the entire body with its rose-colored patches, situated closely together, yet distinct.

Roseola is divided into two groups. Idiopathic and Symptomatic. In the latter group the roseola occurs as an accidental phenomenon  in the course  of  acute  diseases, and hence is called symptomatic; in the other group it exists as the sole and primary disease.