Fifth Disease Fifth disease is a mild, contagious childhood disease that's characterized by a lace-like, reddish rash on the hands, arms and legs. The disease is caused by a parvovirus and mostly affects children. This illness is thought to be spread through contact with infected nose and mouth secretions and can also be passed from a mother to her unborn child.
Fever is rare and no treatment is necessary.
The lace-like rash on the trunk and extremities follows in one to four days. The rash may come and go for days or even weeks and is especially sensitive to heat. It brightens with exposure to sunlight or heat, even a warm bath or playing can make the rash more prominent. It usually disappears within three to seven days. The child is probably not infectious after the onset of the rash.