Volume 14, Issue 8: Slapped cheek syndrome ‒ red cheeks

Slapped cheek syndrome ‒ red cheeks

It’s the start of your shift when your radio alerts you to a call for a five-year-old with a rash. On arrival you meet Hannah sitting with her mum, her cheeks are bright red, she has been off colour all week and now her rash has spread. You begin your assessment, thinking about the differentials – this could be time critical…

CPD benefit

Slapped cheek syndrome is otherwise known as parvovirus B19 or ‘fifth disease’ (as it is fifth on the list of childhood viral skin rashes, with the others being measles, rubella, chicken pox and scarlet fever). Slapped cheek syndrome is most prevalent in children aged 5–10 years and is very common, with 50% of adults and 85% of the elderly having parvovirus antibodies in their blood. This article outlines the signs and symptoms of the disease and how it is transmitted. There is also comprehensive guidance on how to assess a child with a rash, differential diagnosis (including red flags for meningitis and sepsis) and possible complications to be aware of when other medical conditions are present. This will enable you to identify the disease and give reassurance and management advice to the patient and their carers.