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Nov 28, 2023 · A viral rash occurs as a symptom of an underlying viral infection. It can appear with other common viral symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, or fatigue. Most viral rashes start on your trunk or face, then spread to other parts of your body.
- Chickenpox. Everyone knows about this viral rash. Or they used to. A new vaccine means few kids get chickenpox anymore. You might have a fever or sore throat before the telltale itchy spots break out all over your body.
- Shingles. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lives on inside your body. Later it may come back as shingles, a painful, blistering rash. It’s more likely as you get older.
- Molluscum Contagiosum. Look for about 15 pinkish-red bumps with a dimple in the middle and white gunk inside. Scratch them and you may spread the virus to other places on your body.
- Fifth Disease. Also called erythema infectiosum, it’s more common in kids. You get a splotchy red rash on the face that looks like a slapped cheek. You also might have a fever and body aches.
Jul 18, 2024 · From eczema to allergic reactions to bug bites, here’s what common skin rashes look like in photos, and the symptoms that can help you I.D. the condition.
- Overview
- What is a viral rash?
- Types of viral rashes
- Treatment options
- When to contact a doctor
- Takeaway
Many viral rashes clear up on their own as the infection clears, but some may require antiviral medication.
Viral infections are illnesses caused by a virus rather than bacteria or fungi. Many viral infections, especially those that tend to affect toddlers and children, can cause skin rashes.
While they can look alarming, these rashes usually aren’t a cause for concern, and they disappear once the infection clears up. Viral rashes are caused by either an immune response to the virus or damage to skin cells from the virus.
The characteristics of viral rashes can vary greatly. However, most look like splotchy red spots on lighter skin or purplish spots on darker skin.
These spots might come on suddenly or appear gradually over several days. They can also appear in a small section or cover multiple areas. For example, a measles-related rash starts on your cheeks before eventually spreading to your torso and limbs.
Viral rashes might also feel itchy or painful to the touch. The best way to identify a viral rash is to check for any symptoms of a viral infection, such as:
•fever
•chills
•body aches
Viral infections often have to run their course. Unlike bacterial infections, they don’t respond to antibiotics, so treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms.
You can try to speed up the healing process by drinking lots of fluids and allowing your body plenty of rest.
If you have a fever or body aches, you can take medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil). Parents should not give aspirin to children under age 3 without consulting a doctor.
If you have an itchy viral rash, you can try applying a cool compress or calamine lotion to the affected area. Try to avoid scratching it if you can.
While it’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor when you notice a new rash, you should definitely make an appointment if you have a rash that:
•lasts longer than a week, especially if it doesn’t seem to be improving
•starts to blister
•spreads rapidly or is all over your body
•shows signs of redness, swelling, and oozing
•is painful
Many viral infections can cause a skin rash. Most viral infections clear up on their own, but some may require antiviral medication. Contact your doctor if the rash doesn’t seem to be getting any better after a week.
You should also reach out to a healthcare professional if you have a rash and live in or have recently visited a tropical or subtropical climate. Viruses spread by insects tend to be more common in these areas and may require antiviral medication.
Jul 17, 2024 · A range of viral infections, including shingles, chickenpox, and measles, can cause a skin rash. Learn more about the types, symptoms, and treatment of viral rashes here.
Mar 27, 2024 · A viral infection, shingles causes a painful rash that may burn, tingle, or itch, even if there no blisters are present at first. Shingles may involve: clusters of fluid-filled blisters that...
Oct 4, 2024 · A viral rash is a skin rash or eruption caused by a viral infection that affects people of all ages. Common viral rashes include chickenpox, rubella, and measles.
