Tiny rosy-pink cone-like eruptions cover the child's neck, arms and trunk, appearing on the legs and face less profusely. The rash can subside within hours or last up to two days. Generally, non-acetylsalicylic acid or ASA drugs are given to lower fever. Tepid baths and cool lower body wraps, a traditional remedy, reduce fever as well. Herbal teas supply essential fluids since there is a risk of dehydration with high fevers. Teas also fight off the virus and calm irritability. Essential oils may help too.
Cool Wraps to Treat Roseola Fever
Cool wraps have been fever remedies for hundreds of years and are still recommended by naturalists. Wrap the child's feet and lower legs in a cool, damp cloth. Then bundle the legs and feet with a dry blanket or towel. You can also dip the cloth in vinegar solution of 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of cool water. Vinegar has long been used for reducing fevers. Exchange the wraps every 20 to 30 minutes until the fever falls.
Fever Fighting Essential Oils
Several essential oils help to reduce fevers and at the same time pacify a child who is crabby from discomfort. These include eucalyptus, bergamot and chamomile oils. Place up to 10 drops of one of these oils in an aromatherapy lamp in the child's bedroom. You can also add 2 drops each of bergamot and lemon oil or 4 drops of eucalyptus or chamomile oil to a bowlful of cool water, dip a washcloth in the water, squeeze out the cloth and place it on the child's forehead, neck or chest. This allows the child to breathe in the healing vapors and is cooling as well.
Drink Elderberry Juice to Lower Fever
The juice of ripe elderberries stimulates sweating to lower fevers. It is high in vitamin C content, which helps to battle infections and enhances immunity. Give the child a small glass every half hour or so during the acute fever stage.
Final Word of Caution!
Do not give an infant or young child aspirin to reduce the fever of roseola. ASA use with childhood viral infections has been tied to an increased risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious brain disease that also affects the liver and other organs.