Fifth disease-It is not some countdown as it sounds,but a very common disease among kids with scientific name Erythema infectiosum. As the temperature dips cold and flu become rampant among kids especially preschoolers. Fifth disease is also something similar to cold and flu. It is an airborne disease and is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. It breaks out mainly during spring and winter and targets kids of age between 5 to 15 years.

Its common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, running nose and red colored rashes all over the body which last from 7 to 10 days. The rashes start from the face and spread across the body. Due to the rashes, it is also called slap cheek disease. It is a highly contagious disease and hence calls for good hygiene to be maintained. Once the rashes breakout the contagious nature of the disease subside. Kids who are infected once become immune to it throughout their life.

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The disease was ranked 5th among the most common diseases in kids along with measles and rubella and hence the name. Though the rashes may make parents freak out, it is an easily treatable disease. Moreover kids with strong immune system recover faster without much fuss. So before going to the doctor we can try some grandma’s remedies or home remedies to treat fIfth disease and also upgrade the immune system to fight the disease effectively.

We have jotted down seven home remedies which may prove helpful to you:

7 Home Remedies to Treat ‘Fifth Disease’ in Kids

1) First and foremost thing to consider while treating slapped cheek disease is maintaining basic hygiene. The disease easily spreads through nasal secretions,so washing hands regularly will cut off an easy path through which the virus travels and spreads. Bathing the torso daily with warm water will create a clean surrounding in which the virus can not thrive for long. Washing the clothes of the infected child separately will aso greatly minimise the chances for the virus to spread randomly. Hence, cleanliness is the first thing to keep in mind while treating not only fifth disease but also any other disease for that matter.

2) Vitamin C intake (lemons,oranges,indian gooseberry)

Vitamin C does not directly cure the disease, but it plays a great role in equipping the immune system with strength. A good, intact immune system ensures faster recovery. Not only this, vtamin c is an antioxidant and has antiviral properties. So having a glass of lemon juice without sugar, or eating few oranges or amla on a daily basis might help in the long run.

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3) Apple cidar vinegar

Though acidic in nature, apple cidar vinegar provides an alkaline environment for the body to recover. Any kind of virus makes an acidic surrounding its home, as acidic environment is perfect for the virus to thrive. Apple cidar vinegar reduces the acidic nature of the body and hence helps in faster recovery.A little concoction of apple cidar vinegar is given below,which when talen regularly may prove very effective:

* 1 glass of warm water.

* One teaspoon of apple cidar vinegar.

* 1 teaspoon of honey.

Mix the three and take it first thing in the morning and last thing when you hit the sack.

4) Solanum Trilobatum (climbing brinjal plant)

This is the botanical name of a small medicinal plant which has amazing health benefits. In english it is called climbing brinjal. The plant has purple coloured flowers and red coloured berries and is covered with thrones throughout the body. In siddha medicine it is called kayakalpam and is commonly used to treat cold and flu

This plant can be easily grown in our kitchen garden or in a pot. The leaves of the plant can be used freshly as it is or can be dried and powdered to be stored for a long time. The leaves can be added to soups, omelletes or green tea and taken regularly. Within a week the cough and cold fly away,giving us a great relief. It helps to relieve chest congestion and blocked nose. The leaves can be obtained in a dry powder form in any traditional medicine outlet.

5) Astragalus roots

It is a plant within the legume family. The roots of this plant are commonly used in traditional chinese medicine. It is said to improve the function of immune system and also has great antiviral properties. The antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties of this herb work to ease and prevent various respiratory conditions. It also strengthens the lungs and help fight fifth disease. Astragalus roots can be bought from herbal medicine shops or can be ordered online.

6) Baking soda bath

Generally this kind of bath is taken to detoxify our body and skin, but baking soda bath is also one of the best healing therapies available. 1/2 cup of baking soda in a tub of warm water not only gives a silky smooth skin but also provides great relief from burning and itching sensation that the rashes give us during fifth disease.

7) Dietary changes

A little change in our regular diet can go a long way in curing fifth disease easily.Dairy products like milk cheese etc. increase phelgm production which might result in nasal congestion. So avoiding dairy products will be of great help in treating the disease faster. Sweets and sugar should also be avoided as they make the body acidic providing a great atmosphere for the virus to thrive.

Fifth disease is easily curable in kids with strong immune system. The symptons go away on their own. Parents give these methods a try before approaching a doctor , but if the symptoms are prolonged for more than a week do not hesitate to call your doctor.

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