There is no cure for roseola. Most treatments reduce fever, letting the infection run its course. Make sure your child drinks a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water and other clear fluids are fine. You may want to use drinks that contain electrolytes, such as Pedialyte. Most children get better within a week.
Drug Therapies
- Your doctor may suggest giving children's acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to bring down the fever. DO NOT give your child aspirin. Children under 18 should never take aspirin because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
- Phenobarbital is sometimes given for seizures.
- For people with weakened immune systems, a doctor may prescribe the antiviral medication ganciclovir (Cytovene).
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Herbal teas may help reduce fever. Always ask your pediatrician before giving any herb or supplement to a child. Vitamins and herbs can interact with other medications. This is why it is crucial to talk to your pediatrician first.
To determine a child's dose for herb teas, ask your pediatrician. For some herb teas, the mother may drink them to treat breastfeeding babies. Always check with your pediatrician before using herbs while breastfeeding.
Nutrition and Supplements
Your child should get plenty of rest and fluids.
These nutrients are often used to help strengthen the immune system and fight infection. The right dose varies depending on the age and weight of the child. Ask your pediatrician to help you find the right dose, and do not give any of these vitamins or supplements to a child without your pediatrician's approval.
- Vitamin C may help fight a viral infection.
- Zinc may increase immune system activity.
- Selenium may help children recover more quickly from viral infections.
- Vitamin E helps support the immune system.
Herbs
Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts).
To determine the right dose for a child, ask your pediatrician. Always ask your doctor before giving herbs to a child. Some herbs can interact with other medications or cause allergies and might not be safe for your child to take.
These herbs are often used to reduce fever:
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Elder (Sambucus nigra)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) -- People with allergies to ragweed may be sensitive to chamomile
Use equal parts of the above herbs to brew a tea. If you are breastfeeding, you can drink 1 cup, 3 to 4 times per day to pass the benefits along to your baby (under your doctor's guidance).
Garlic and ginger tea. With 1 to 3 cloves of garlic (Allium sativum) and 1 to 3 slices of fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) may help stimulate the immune system and prevent upper respiratory infections. You can add lemon and a sweetener for flavor. DO NOT give honey to children under 2 years old.
Homeopathy
Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for roseola based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.
- Aconitum. For children who have a sudden high fever, especially when the fever is accompanied by restless anxiety. This remedy is best when used very early in disease, before a rash appears.
- Belladonna. For children who have a sudden high fever that rises during the night and is accompanied by flushed face and red lips. The skin tends to be hot to the touch, but extremities feel cold. Children for whom this remedy is appropriate tend to be very agitated and may even be delirious.
- Arsenicum album. For children whose fever increases between midnight and 2 am, and who are fidgety and have pain in their legs.
- Pulsatilla. For children who have fever and chills that are worse in warm rooms, but better in fresh air. Symptoms tend to be less intense than for the other remedies listed.
Acupuncture
Acupressure for children may be calming and help reduce the fever.
Massage
Gentle massage may help your child feel better. A foot massage may help. However, some children will not want to be touched.