a mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise, or a "cold" a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.
Although we would expect slapped cheek disease to come from chronic incidence of being a jerk, it is actually caused by the human parvovirus 19.
by MintyLeila September 8, 2005