A 38-year-old man presents to an otolaryngology clinic with itchy eyes, periorbital swelling, and an itchy red rash on his face and arms.

Seven to 10 days later, children may develop a sometimes-itchy rash on their cheeks that can also appear on the arms, back, chest, legs, and buttocks, and may come and go for several weeks.

What's causing the rash on my child's face? Fifth disease is also known as “slapped cheek” because it’s marked by a distinctive rash that causes red, splotchy cheeks.