# Slapped Cheek Syndrome: Symptoms, Home Care & When to Worry | Clever Mum

> Slapped Cheek Syndrome in children — symptoms, how long it lasts, what helps at home, and the NHS's own guidance on when to see a GP or seek urgent help.

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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

  
        [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/)   By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides 

 
 Published 11 July 2026  

      
 
Quick answer — 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 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

 
 *  [ Slapped cheek syndrome ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/)  — NHS 
 
   [← Bronchiolitis](/health/childhood-illnesses/bronchiolitis/) [All illnesses](/health/childhood-illnesses/)   

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 August 2026.

    
## Slapped Cheek Syndrome at a glance

   Typically affects Common in children; rarer but can be more serious in adults  Usual duration 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.  Urgent GP/111 tier See below