Roseola, sometimes called three-day fever, is a common viral infection that mainly affects babies and toddlers. It usually causes several days of high temperature followed by a rash as the temperature settles.
Symptoms
The illness often begins with a sudden high temperature. A child may also have a runny nose, cough, sore throat, reduced appetite, swollen eyelids or swollen glands in the neck. After three to five days, the temperature usually falls and a pink or red spotted rash appears on the chest, abdomen and back before spreading.
The rash is not usually itchy and may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
When to Get Emergency Help
Call your local emergency number if the child has a seizure that lasts several minutes, severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, a stiff neck, is difficult to wake, is confused, is limp or not responding normally, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed through a clear glass.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Get prompt advice if a very young baby has a temperature, the fever lasts longer than expected, the child is drinking much less, has fewer wet nappies, has signs of dehydration or is becoming more unwell. A rash with fever has many possible causes, so seek advice if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Care
Most children recover within a week. Offer fluids and let the child rest. Suitable medicine may be used if the child is uncomfortable, following professional or package instructions. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16. Antibiotics do not treat roseola because it is caused by a virus.
Preventing Spread
Wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid sharing cups or cutlery. Keep the child at home while they have a high temperature and follow local childcare or school guidance.
Sources
Reviewed 28 August 2026.