Aviral infectionrash can be triggered by a virus suchchickenpox,rubella, ormeasles.
A viral rash often occurs with other symptoms associated with the underlying viral infection.
This can make it hard to know the source of the rash and the need for treatment.
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It also discusses treatments and when to seek a medical evaluation for viral rashes.
What Is a Viral Rash?
It develops as an immune reaction to a virus.
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It can sometimes cause itching, burning, or other types of discomfort.
Spreading Viral Rashes
Viral rashes are typically symptoms of underlying infections.
It’s usually the virus, not the rash, that quickly spreads.
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This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
If you have had chickenpox, you are at risk of developing shingles.
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Shingles pops up if the dormant virus is reactivated, usually years after the initial infection.
The blisters last seven to 10 days until they scab over.
Full clearing of the rash can take up to four weeks.
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Chickenpox Rash
Chickenpoxis a highly contagious viral infection sparked by the varicella-zoster virus.
The chickenpox rash appears about two weeks after exposure to the virus.
It starts as small red bumps that resemble insect bites or pimples.
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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.
The rash first appears on the torso, face, and scalp.
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It can spread virtually anywhere, including the mouth, eyes, and genitals.
Fifth Disease
Fifth diseaseis a mild viral infection that is most common in children and teens.
It is brought on by humanparvovirus B19.
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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.
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This can continue for several weeks or months after the illness passes.
Zika Virus
TheZika virusis usually spread by the bite of a certain species of mosquito.
AZika virus rashis maculopapular.
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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.
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When symptoms occur, they are usually mild, lasting from a couple of days up to a week.
It is most common in children under 5 years old.
The rash usually causes flat, red spots or blisters.
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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.
HIV Rash
HIV rashoccurs during acute HIV infection, the earliest stage of an HIV infection.
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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.
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It usually starts on the face about three to five days after viral symptoms begin.
Measles may cause a fever of more than 104F.
Tiny raised bumps may develop on top of the flat red spots.
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The rash usually runs its course in about six days.
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Children between 6 months and 2 years old are most often affected by the virus.
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A roseola rash may appear between five and 15 days after exposure.
A high fever above 103F, 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.
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It usually starts on the abdomen, then spreads to the arms, legs, and face.
A rash is the first sign of illness after infection.
It usually feels rough or bumpy to the touch.
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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.
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Children who have rubella should never be given aspirin.
Doing so puts them at risk for a serious illness calledReye’s syndrome.
The virus can causecongenitalrubella syndrome, resulting in serious birth defects.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virusis an infection transmitted by mosquito bites.
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.
Dengue Fever
Dengue feveris a viral infection spread by mosquitos.
Symptoms include those typical of viral infections.
It often starts with a very high fever, up to 105F, along with a rash.
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.
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Molloscum Contagiosum
Molloscum contagiosumis a viral infection brought on by poxvirus.
The infection causes mild skin disease.
The rash because of molloscum contagiosum results in the formation of lesions known as mollusca.
These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, including the face and genital areas.
you might become infected if you are bitten by an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick.
It affects children between the ages of 9 months and 9 years.
Acrodermatitis produces a rash that may or may not itch.
It is characterized by the following symptoms:
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.
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.
Home Remedies
Home remediescan help reduce symptoms of viral rashes that don’t require medical treatment.
If you have a rash, contact your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
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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