Preparing for an appointment

Make an appointment with your child's doctor if your child has a rash that doesn't improve after a few days, or if your child has a fever that lasts more than a week or exceeds 103 F (39.4 C).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your doctor.

Information to gather in advance

• List your child's signs and symptoms, and note how long your child has had them.
• Write down your child's key medical information, including other conditions for which your child has been treated and any prescription or over-the-counter medications your child has taken recently.
• List any possible sources of infection, such as other children who've recently had a high fever or a rash.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions before your child's appointment can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Below are some basic questions to ask your doctor about roseola. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.

• What is the most likely cause of my child's signs and symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• Should I treat my child's fever?
• What over-the-counter fever medications are safe for my child, if any?
• What else can I do to help my child recover?
• How soon do you expect my child's symptoms to improve?
• Is my child contagious? For how long?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• What are your child's signs and symptoms?
• When did you notice these signs and symptoms?
• Have your child's signs and symptoms gotten better or worse over time?
• Have any children with whom your child interacts had a recent high fever or a rash?
• Has your child had a fever? How high?
• Has your child had diarrhea?
• Has your child continued to eat and drink?
• Have you tried any at-home treatments? Has anything helped?
• Has your baby recently had any other medical conditions?
• Has your baby recently taken any new medications?
• Is your child in child care?
• What else concerns you?

What you can do in the meantime

Before your appointment, encourage your child to rest and drink fluids. You may be able to ease fever-related discomfort with a lukewarm sponge bath or cool compresses. Ask your doctor whether over-the-counter fever medications are safe for your child.