Can roseola be a rash that is on the arms and legs too? My granddaughter has the rash on her neck and back but has hot patches on her legs that move around.

Hello Anonymous,

Roseola typically starts with a sudden, high fever — often greater than 103 F (39.4 C). Some children may also have a slightly sore throat, runny nose or cough along with or preceding the fever. Your child may also develop swollen lymph nodes in his or her neck along with the fever. The fever lasts three to five days.

Once the fever subsides, a rash typically appears — but not always. The rash consists of many small pink spots or patches. These spots are generally flat, but some may be raised. There may be a white ring around some of the spots. The rash usually starts on the chest, back and abdomen and then spreads to the neck and arms. It may or may not reach the legs and face. The rash, which isn't itchy or uncomfortable, can last from several hours to several days before fading.

Some cases of roseola are too mild and children infected with the virus have symptoms which are hardly noticeable.

Other symptoms of roseola may include fatigue, irritability in infants and children, mild diarrhea, runny nose, decreased appetite, and swollen eyelids.

Call the pediatrician if your granddaughter has a fever greater than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, the fever lasts more than seven days, and the rash does not improve after three days.

Maryann