Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRSV and RashSymptomsInfant RSVTreatmentPreventionSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
RSV and Rash
Symptoms
Infant RSV
Treatment
Prevention
Seeking Medical Care
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)has been known to cause a rash in addition to the more common symptoms of a runny nose, coughing, and wheezing. However, an RSV rash is rare.
This article explores how to recognize RSV and other viral illnesses that can cause a rash, as well as how to treat them.
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Link Between RSV and Rash
RSV is primarily a respiratory virus. Rashes are an uncommon symptom ofRSV, but they do occur.When a widespread skin rash develops from a virus, it’s called aviral exanthem.RSV rashes are more likely to occur in children than adults.
In one study, a rash was seen in about 1% of people with RSV subtype A and about 10% of people with RSV subtype B.A rash was more likely to occur when the person had an additional viral illness, such as influenza, at the same time.
Other viruses that can cause respiratory symptoms and rashes, especially in children and infants, areroseola,measles,rubella, andchickenpox.T
Unlike with RSV, rash is a major feature of these conditions. Rashes in these diseases have a unique appearance that allows a healthcare provider to make a diagnosis.
Close to 60,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized with RSV annually in the United States.About 5% of adults will have an RSV infection each year, although it can be as high as 7.8%.
In people older than 65, RSV leads to anywhere from 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations and up to 10,000 deaths a year.
A Word From Verywell
—CASEY GALLAGHER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Identifying RSV Rash Symptoms
A viral rash often appears as small bumps, spots, or blotches that may or may not be itchy. It’s usually concentrated on the trunk of the body, with less of an eruption on the arms and legs, and typically lasts about five days.
In one study, rashes appeared in about 1% of people with RSV subtype A and about 10% of people with RSV subtype B.
When Do Symptoms Warrant Hospitalization?An RSV rash is not dangerous in and of itself, but the accompanying RSV symptoms may be serious. You may need hospitalization with the following symptoms of difficulty breathing:Bluish tint to the skin or nailsA bad headache or earacheSigns of severe dehydration
When Do Symptoms Warrant Hospitalization?
An RSV rash is not dangerous in and of itself, but the accompanying RSV symptoms may be serious. You may need hospitalization with the following symptoms of difficulty breathing:Bluish tint to the skin or nailsA bad headache or earacheSigns of severe dehydration
An RSV rash is not dangerous in and of itself, but the accompanying RSV symptoms may be serious. You may need hospitalization with the following symptoms of difficulty breathing:
Getting Infant RSV Symptoms Diagnosed
The initial symptoms of RSV in mostchildrenare similar to those of a cold, such as:
Ininfants, the symptoms might include:
Call your healthcare provider and get urgent medical attention if an infant is showing severe signs of difficulty breathing, including:
Almost all children contract RSV, usually before they are 2 years old, and most recover in a few days.If you have any concerns about an infant or child, don’t wait to contact a healthcare provider.
Treatment for RSV Viral Rash
Itchy skin may respond to home remedies like a cold compress or oatmeal bath.However, consult your healthcare provider before using any home remedies on young children or babies.
Other symptoms of a mild RSV infection should resolve with justat-home supportive treatmentin a week or two.For fever, you can use nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducers.
For a stuffy nose in an infant or child, you may use saline nasal drops or suction the mucus. Keep the child or adult comfortable and have them drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Avaccine for RSVis available for adults aged 60 and over and pregnant people.Vaccines for other viral illnesses that can lead to rash, including measles, rubella, chickenpox, and shingles, are also available for children and adults.
Older adults are at higher risk for a severe case of RSV. A one-time vaccination is recommended for all adults over the age of 75, or those over age 60 with certain chronic diseases. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are wondering whether to get the RSV vaccine.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms of severe RSV in children mean you should call 911 or take your child to the emergency room. These include:
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus infection can cause a rash, although this is an uncommon symptom. An RSV rash is a widespread viral rash, known as a viral exanthem.
Other causes of viral rashes that may have respiratory symptoms include measles, roseola, rubella, and chickenpox. An RSV rash is not common, so discuss any rash with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Most children and adults recover from RSV in a few days. But if you see signs of severe illness, including breathing difficulties, call a healthcare provider right away. Vaccines can prevent RSV and other viral infections.
15 SourcesVerywell 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.UC Health.Is RSV contagious?Liu W, Chen D, Tan W, et al.Epidemiology and clinical presentations of respiratory syncytial virus subgroups an and b detected with multiplex real-time pcr.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0165108. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165108Dermnet.Exanthems.Ting S, Nixon R.Clinical features of viral exanthems.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(4):231-236. doi:10.31128/AJGP-02-20-5246 (doi link faulty)Children’s National.Viral exanthems (rashes).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Increased respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in parts of the southeastern United States.American Journal of Managed Care.Incidence and prevalence of RSV.Havers FP, Whitaker M, Melgar M, et al.Characteristics and outcomes among adults aged ≥60 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus — RSV-NET, 12 states, July 2022–June 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2023;72:1075–1082. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7240a1American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of RSV?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.American Academy of Dermatology.How to relieve itchy skin.American Lung Association.RSV prevention and treatment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.Allergy and Asthma Network.How to recognize the warning signs of RSV in children.
15 Sources
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.UC Health.Is RSV contagious?Liu W, Chen D, Tan W, et al.Epidemiology and clinical presentations of respiratory syncytial virus subgroups an and b detected with multiplex real-time pcr.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0165108. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165108Dermnet.Exanthems.Ting S, Nixon R.Clinical features of viral exanthems.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(4):231-236. doi:10.31128/AJGP-02-20-5246 (doi link faulty)Children’s National.Viral exanthems (rashes).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Increased respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in parts of the southeastern United States.American Journal of Managed Care.Incidence and prevalence of RSV.Havers FP, Whitaker M, Melgar M, et al.Characteristics and outcomes among adults aged ≥60 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus — RSV-NET, 12 states, July 2022–June 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2023;72:1075–1082. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7240a1American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of RSV?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.American Academy of Dermatology.How to relieve itchy skin.American Lung Association.RSV prevention and treatment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.Allergy and Asthma Network.How to recognize the warning signs of RSV in children.
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.
UC Health.Is RSV contagious?Liu W, Chen D, Tan W, et al.Epidemiology and clinical presentations of respiratory syncytial virus subgroups an and b detected with multiplex real-time pcr.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0165108. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165108Dermnet.Exanthems.Ting S, Nixon R.Clinical features of viral exanthems.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(4):231-236. doi:10.31128/AJGP-02-20-5246 (doi link faulty)Children’s National.Viral exanthems (rashes).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Increased respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in parts of the southeastern United States.American Journal of Managed Care.Incidence and prevalence of RSV.Havers FP, Whitaker M, Melgar M, et al.Characteristics and outcomes among adults aged ≥60 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus — RSV-NET, 12 states, July 2022–June 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2023;72:1075–1082. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7240a1American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of RSV?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.American Academy of Dermatology.How to relieve itchy skin.American Lung Association.RSV prevention and treatment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV vaccines.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.Allergy and Asthma Network.How to recognize the warning signs of RSV in children.
UC Health.Is RSV contagious?
Liu W, Chen D, Tan W, et al.Epidemiology and clinical presentations of respiratory syncytial virus subgroups an and b detected with multiplex real-time pcr.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0165108. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165108
Dermnet.Exanthems.
Ting S, Nixon R.Clinical features of viral exanthems.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(4):231-236. doi:10.31128/AJGP-02-20-5246 (doi link faulty)
Children’s National.Viral exanthems (rashes).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Increased respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in parts of the southeastern United States.
American Journal of Managed Care.Incidence and prevalence of RSV.
Havers FP, Whitaker M, Melgar M, et al.Characteristics and outcomes among adults aged ≥60 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus — RSV-NET, 12 states, July 2022–June 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.2023;72:1075–1082. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7240a1
American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of RSV?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV in infants and young children.
American Academy of Dermatology.How to relieve itchy skin.
American Lung Association.RSV prevention and treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How RSV spreads.
Allergy and Asthma Network.How to recognize the warning signs of RSV in children.
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