This article explains how to identify common viral rashes in adults and children based on typical symptoms and unique characteristics. It also discusses treatments and when to seek a medical evaluation for viral rashes.
What Is a Viral Rash?
A viral rash, also known as a viralexanthem, is a skin rash or eruption that commonly occurs as a symptom of a viral infection. It develops as an immune reaction to a virus.
In many cases, the virus causing the rash also triggers one or more of the following viral symptoms:
While they can cover large areas of your body and look alarming, viral rashes usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks without treatment.
Spreading Viral RashesViral rashes are typically symptoms of underlying infections. It’s usually the virus, not the rash, that quickly spreads. Some common viral rashes linked to contagious viruses include:MeaslesRubella (German measles)ChickenpoxHand, foot, and mouth diseaseFifth diseaseRoseola
Spreading Viral Rashes
Viral rashes are typically symptoms of underlying infections. It’s usually the virus, not the rash, that quickly spreads. Some common viral rashes linked to contagious viruses include:MeaslesRubella (German measles)ChickenpoxHand, foot, and mouth diseaseFifth diseaseRoseola
Viral rashes are typically symptoms of underlying infections. It’s usually the virus, not the rash, that quickly spreads. Some common viral rashes linked to contagious viruses include:
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Mononuclueosis
Mononucleosis can cause a"mono rash"with one of the following characteristics:
You have up to a 100% chance of developing a pinkmaculopapular rashif you take an antibiotic like ampicillin or amoxicillin for a throat infection while you have mononucleosis.This rash consists of both flat macules and raised bumps calledpapules.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
Shingles Rash
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection linked to thevaricella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, you are at risk of developing shingles. Shingles occurs when the dormant virus is reactivated, usually years after the initial infection.
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Shingles causes a painful rash that often erupts on one side of your face or body in a single stripe. The blisters last seven to 10 days until they scab over. Full clearing of the rash can take up to four weeks.
Other symptoms of shingles may appear several days before the rash develops and can include:
Treatment for Shingles RashIf you think you have shingles, get a medical evaluation as soon as the rash appears. Several antiviral medicines (acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir) can reduce the length and severity of the illness when taken early in the course of the disease.
Treatment for Shingles Rash
If you think you have shingles, get a medical evaluation as soon as the rash appears. Several antiviral medicines (acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir) can reduce the length and severity of the illness when taken early in the course of the disease.
Chickenpox Rash
It starts as small red bumps that resemble insect bites or pimples. The bumps develop into fluid-filled blisters over two to four days. After the blisters break, the sores crust over until they become dry, brown scabs.
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatodermnetnz.org2023
Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Chickenpox
The rash first appears on the torso, face, and scalp. It can spread virtually anywhere, including the mouth, eyes, and genitals.
The following people are at high risk for complications from the chickenpox rash:
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Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is sometimes called “slapped cheek disease” because itcauses a bright red rash on the face, making the child look as if they’ve been slapped.
While the virus can affect both children and adults, the rash is more common in children. The rash appears from four to 14 days after infection. It can spread to other parts of the body and fades after about five to 10 days.
The rash from fifth disease may reappear when your child is out in the sun or their body heat rises. This can continue for several weeks or months after the illness passes.
Zika Virus
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022
AZika virus rashis maculopapular. It includes macules (tiny, raised blotches) and papules (reddish bumps). It usually starts on the trunk and spreads to other areas of the body, often causing itching.
Only 20% of people infected with Zika get symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are usually mild, lasting from a couple of days up to a week.
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
The rash usually causes flat, red spots or blisters. These occur on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
When the blisters burst, the sores scab over and dry out. It’s important to avoid touching the blisters since the fluid and resulting scabs may contain the virus and spread the infection.
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease may also include sores in the back of the mouth that can blister and cause pain.
HIV Rash
HIV rashoccurs during acute HIV infection, the earliest stage of an HIV infection. It typically appears about two to four weeks after initial infection, when the virus is rapidly multiplying.
An HIV rash can become itchy, red, and painful. It is associated with your body’s reaction to the new virus. It can also be a sign of another viral infection that developed due to a weakened immune system from HIV.
If you have HIV, you can also develop a rash due to medications used to treat HIV or other conditions.
Dangerous HIV RashesWhile most rashes related to HIV medicines are usually not serious, you should call your healthcare provider if you develop a rash while taking HIV medicine. Rarely, these rashes can be a sign ofStevens-Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that needs immediate medical care.
Dangerous HIV Rashes
While most rashes related to HIV medicines are usually not serious, you should call your healthcare provider if you develop a rash while taking HIV medicine. Rarely, these rashes can be a sign ofStevens-Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that needs immediate medical care.
Measles
The rash begins as flat red blotches that spread from the face and hairline down to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Measles may cause a fever of more than 104°F.
Tiny raised bumps may develop on top of the flat red spots. The rash usually runs its course in about six days.
While the measles virus is relatively rare due to widespread vaccination, it can cause severe complications for babies and children under age 5.
Symptoms of Measles
Roseola Infantum (Sixth Disease)
A roseola rash may appear between five and 15 days after exposure. A high fever above 103°F, lasting for up to a week, can occur before the rash appears.
When the rash appears, it is typically pink, with either flat or raisedlesions. It usually starts on the abdomen, then spreads to the arms, legs, and face.
Rubella
Rubella, commonly called German measles, is an infection that mostly affects the skin and lymph nodes. A rash is the first sign of illness after infection.
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
A rubella rash usually starts on the face as pink or light red spots and can be harder to see on darker skin. It usually feels rough or bumpy to the touch. It can spread to form colored patches as it moves downward, away from the face.
The rash can be itchy and may last up to three days. The affected skin may shed fine flakes as the rash clears.
Children who have rubella should never be given aspirin. Doing so puts them at risk for a serious illness calledReye’s syndrome.
Pregnancy and RubellaIf you are pregnant and have symptoms of rubella or learn you’ve been exposed to the virus, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The virus can causecongenitalrubella syndrome, resulting in serious birth defects.
Pregnancy and Rubella
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of rubella or learn you’ve been exposed to the virus, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The virus can causecongenitalrubella syndrome, resulting in serious birth defects.
West Nile Virus
The rash appears two to 14 days after infection. It tends to resemble measles and be maculopapular, with both flat and raised areas. The rash doesn’t itch and often appears on the torso, arms, and legs.
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Dengue Fever
A dengue fever rash can be macular (flat) or maculopapular (flat and raised). It usually covers most of the body two to five days after the fever starts. Later in the disease, a flat rash similar to measles appears.
The rash can cause itchiness, skin sensitivity, and general discomfort. The illness and its symptoms usually last about a week.
Molloscum Contagiosum
Mollusca usually have the following characteristics:
The rash usually clears within six to 12 months without scarring, though it can take as long as four years to disappear.
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023
Colorado Tick Fever
Symptoms of Colorado tick fever, including a skin rash, usually appear within three to seven days of infection, though it can take up to 20 days to see symptoms. In addition to common viral symptoms, a spotted rash occurs in 5% to 12% of people infected with Colorado tick fever.
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Acrodermatitis (Gianitti Crosti Syndrome)
Acrodermatitis, also known as gianitti crosti syndrome, is a rare skin condition. It affects children between the ages of 9 months and 9 years.
The disease usually occurs after a child has had a viral infection such asHepatitis-B, infectious mononucleosis, coxsackievirus, orcytomegalovirus (CMV).
While some viral rashes are contagious, others are not. Those that are contagious are usually spread during certain stages of the infection, often before symptoms appear.
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Treatment for Viral Rash
Treatments for viral rashes vary depending on the underlying cause of the rash. Many viral rashes don’t require any treatment and clear on their own. Others may benefit from medical care or medication to reduce symptoms and shorten the duration.
The need for treatment of a viral rash depends on the type of rash, your medical history, age, and current physical condition.
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Home Remedies
Home remediescan help reduce symptoms of viral rashes that don’t require medical treatment. The following therapies can reduce symptoms, such as itchiness and inflammation, that are common with viral rashes:
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When to See a Healthcare Provider
When a rash doesn’t resolve and you have other symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Is a Viral Rash Serious?While most viral rashes aren’t considered serious, only a healthcare provider can provide an accurate diagnosis for your rash. Factors such as the type of viral rash you have, your medical history, and your current health condition, can affect the outcomes of a viral rash. If you have a rash, contact your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is a Viral Rash Serious?
While most viral rashes aren’t considered serious, only a healthcare provider can provide an accurate diagnosis for your rash. Factors such as the type of viral rash you have, your medical history, and your current health condition, can affect the outcomes of a viral rash. If you have a rash, contact your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Summary
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.
Viral rashes usually can’t be treated or cured with medicine. They typically heal on their own and disappear as other symptoms of the disease fade.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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