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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. They can appear in many forms, such as bumps, spots, or blotches.
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- 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 viral rash is one that occurs due to a viral infection. It can itch, sting, burn, or hurt. The appearance of viral skin rashes can vary. They may appear as welts, small bumps, or red, brown, or ...
Mar 18, 2022 · A viral exanthem rash causes spots, bumps or blotches on your skin. They can appear anywhere on your body but often start on your face or trunk and then spread. The rash may or may not be itchy. People often have other viral symptoms, such as: Advertisement. Abdominal (belly) pain.
Oct 19, 2023 · The symptoms caused by viral infections can vary depending upon the virus. One of the symptoms that may occur is a rash. There are some well-known viral rashes. For example, the measles virus and the chickenpox virus cause characteristic rashes along with other symptoms. Sometimes a typical rash helps a doctor to diagnose which virus is causing ...
Jul 18, 2024 · Fever, along with a rash, may be a sign of an allergic reaction or several types of infection, such as: herpes. measles. mononucleosis. scarlet fever. It’s possible for a rash to also become ...
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Mar 25, 2024 · Viral infections such as measles or even the common cold can cause rashes. Viral rashes in adults and kids are common. Medically, this is called a viral exanthem or a viral exanthem rash. “Exanthem'' simply means a rash or eruption on the skin. Viral rashes cause pink or red spots, often accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue from the virus.
