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🌹 Childhood illness guide

Slapped Cheek Syndrome

A bright red-cheek rash that's harmless for most children, but worth knowing about in pregnancy

EW

By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer

What it is

Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease) is common in children and should get better on its own within 3 weeks. It's caused by parvovirus B19, and while rarer in adults, it can be more serious for them.

Symptoms

  • A high temperature, runny nose and sore throat, and a headache
  • A red rash that may appear on one or both cheeks
  • A few days later, a spotty rash may appear on the chest, back, arms and legs
  • Adults might also get joint pain and stiffness

How long it lasts

The rash usually fades within 1 to 3 weeks, but can last longer, especially if your child is hot or stressed. Joint pain in adults can continue for weeks after other symptoms clear.

What helps at home

  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if uncomfortable
  • Never give aspirin to a child under 16

See a GP if

  • You're pregnant — there's a very small risk of miscarriage or other complications
  • You have a blood disorder such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia — there's a risk of severe anaemia
  • You have a weakened immune system

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

  • Very pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Fainted

Contagious period & nursery/school

You can only spread slapped cheek syndrome before the rash appears — once the rash is visible, your child doesn't need to stay off nursery or school.

If you're pregnant

If you're pregnant and think you've been near someone with slapped cheek syndrome (or think you might have it yourself), tell your midwife or GP — the NHS is clear this carries a very small risk of miscarriage or other complications. The NHS page doesn't go into more clinical detail than that (for example, it doesn't specify trimester-by-trimester risk), so a midwife or GP is the right person to talk through what it means for your pregnancy specifically.

Slapped Cheek Syndrome: common questions

What is slapped cheek syndrome?

Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease) is common in children and should get better on its own within 3 weeks. It's caused by parvovirus B19, and while rarer in adults, it can be more serious for them. The rash usually fades within 1 to 3 weeks, but can last longer, especially if your child is hot or stressed. Joint pain in adults can continue for weeks after other symptoms clear. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure.

What are the symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome?

A high temperature, runny nose and sore throat, and a headache A red rash that may appear on one or both cheeks A few days later, a spotty rash may appear on the chest, back, arms and legs Adults might also get joint pain and stiffness

When should I get urgent help for slapped cheek syndrome?

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have: Very pale skin Shortness of breath Extreme tiredness Fainted

Sources & further reading

This is general information sourced from NHS.uk, not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. Every child is different — if you're at all worried, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. Reviewed July 2026.