Introduction
Ringed rubella is a viral disease and belongs to the classic childhood diseases. To differentiate it from other infectious diseases, especially rubella, the symptoms, such as the typical skin rash, can be considered. Ringel rubella is caused by the parvovirus B19 and, especially in children, usually goes unnoticed or as a simple cold with a rash. Ringel rubella is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children.
Typical symptoms of rubella
In many cases, a rubella infection is not recognized as such because the course is harmless and resembles a slight cold. Possible symptoms are: The most noticeable symptom of rubella is the skin rash, which begins in a butterfly shape on the face and appears about a week after infection and spreads over the body. In rare cases, it can cause severe progression in immunocompromised individuals.
- Cough
- Sniffles
- An increase in body temperature
- Possibly swollen lymph nodes in the neck area
- Headaches
- A general feeling of illness
This is what the rash looks like
About a week after the infection, rubella develops the skin rash that gives it its name. At first, a butterfly-shaped, coarse-spotted redness appears on the face, which is why the disease is also called “slap in the face disease” in the vernacular. In the course of the next two days the rash spreads over the whole body.
The upper arms and legs are the first to be affected. The rash especially affects arms and legs and less the trunk of the body. After a few days, the coarse-spotted rash turns into single reddish rings that run in garlands over the body.
The areas between the ringlets are now rather pale. The rings disappear after a few days and can become more visible again when exposed to sunlight or stress. The rash can itch and lead to a feeling of tension in the skin.
After healing, the skin is scaly and rough and therefore needs more care for some time. The rash is not clearly visible in all affected persons and in some cases it does not appear at all, which does not speak against a rubella infection. Even if the rash is absent, those affected are still contagious.
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