Monday, April 14, 2008

Doctor Visit

I took Seth to the doctor this morning. He has developed a strange non-itchy, no-pain rash on his face and arms. After some googling I diagnosed it as Fifth Disease, but as a good mother I took him to the doc so he could confirm my diagnoses. He did, but I didn't tell him that. For some reason doctors don't care for patients or their mothers, who self-diagnose.

Also known as Slapped Cheek Disease. It is a contagious viral infection and is quite common amongst children since there are pretty much no symptoms until the rash shows up. There is a good chance the other boys have it as well. It is pretty harmless. It just has that scary looking rash and a scary name to go along with it. FIFTH DISEASE sounds pretty serious! ...but it should be gone in a few days.

5 comments:

Wendy said...

I've heard about this before. A friend has a son that had it a couple weeks ago. You're right, it sounds more serious than it is.

Unknown said...

I've heard that's going around here, too. A little boy at our church had it. No one else caught it from him, though.

Dear Abbi said...

My older kids had this a few years back. It's funny how that is exactly what it looks like...slapped cheeks.

Amie said...

My older boys had that before. I don't know if your boys have the lacy looking rash on their arms and legs (it shows up when they are hot or in the sun) but there is no mistaking THAT rash.

Ellen said...

Hallie and Heidi have had it while we were at the daycare. Hope has not. I have heard that it is only dangerous around expecting Mothers. I also wanted to let you know to get over to Amie's blog. The tote is done!! The drawing is Tuesday.