Any Adult Ever Gotten Fifth Disease? Any Treament Ideas?

baking soda bath or vinegar bath

I had fifths disease, but I never noticed any rash, I woke up one day and I couldn't stand my ankles were very swollen and my fingers looked like sausages, every joint was swollen and very sore. I thought that I was dying. I was in such severe pain that they put me on an anti inflammatory (I cannot remember which one but it was a prescription) and vicodin. I cannot really give you much advise if you cannot see a doctor, they need to do blood tests to confirm fifths. I really felt awful for well over a month. I hope it all works out for you.

I had this last year. The rash started about a week after mild flew symptoms. I had swollen and painful hands and feet. I don't recall burning and itching. The swollen, painful joints lasted for a few weeks. It all did eventually go away. I did go to the doctor, but there wasn't much they could do since it was viral. You might try Sarna lotion for the itching. That worked well for me in the past with severe itching. This usually hits adults a lot harder than it does kids.

As much as the internet can be a great source of information, it can also be a really great source of misinformation. Self-diagnosis is really scary, and many conditions are recurrent in many different diseases.

I know you say that you can't see a doctor. Have you looked into any clinics that are government subsidized and offer sliding scales for people based upon what you can afford?

My concern is that it's something much more serious than 5th Disease. Waiting may only make the condition worse and harder to treat. Even most minute clinics will see you for $65. I know that's a lot when there's not income coming in, I was laid off last year, and I know the concerns. But, I also know that a little "unconcerning" node on my collarbone has cost insurance almost $400K to treat my slow growing cancer.

Good luck. I hope you are well and are simply reacting to a virus that needs time to run its course.

I agree with Dana. There are lots of clinics that offer sliding scale or even your county health department. Walk-in clinics usually will charge around $100. If you aren't getting relief from over the counter remedies it's time to find out what is really going on.

Also, if it does turn out to be Fifths Disease if there is anyone around you that is pregnant they need to be tested immediately. The effects to the unborn fetus can be devastating.

So weird I've never heard of anyone having this and the doc says my nephew has it today! I read that you can take some pain meds for the joint pain, but my nephews does not itch (though I read some of them can?). Sorry you're having to deal with this! Other things have the same sorts of symptoms... have you had all of your vaccinations?? If not, this is in the same family as scarlet fever, measles, mumps...

Hi M.. I have had Fifth's Disease. The joint pain was very uncomfortable. The doctor put me on some kind of arthritis medication (same one my grandmother was on,hehe) . More importantly though, I am not sure you should be going to work if you are contagious. I can't remember how long you are contagious, but when you are, you are VERY contagious and fifth's disease is very dangerous to pregnant women. Infact, when I was diagnosed my doctor told me I should notify any pregnant women I'd been in contact with.
Feel better.

This is a little late (i've been away from my computer for a week). Hopefully you've found a way to see a doctor by now; however, if not tea tree oil is good for itching. It has some antifungus fighting agents. Just rub it on at least 3 times a day.