Viral rashes are common in babies, toddlers, and young children.

They often appear as tiny dots, blisters, or blotchy patches.

Some form distinctive patterns, while others begin in a specific area and spread to other body parts.

Viral rash, baby sleeping with a rash on their cheeks

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These rashesmay occur with a fever or cold symptoms, after a fever breaks, or independently.

While most are harmless and clear up independently, some may require medical attention.

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Types and Symptoms of Viral Rashes in Babies

1.

Sixth Disease aka Roseola Infantum aka exanthem subitum

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Roseola

Roseolais common in kids six months to two years.

Roseola often involves cold symptoms and ahigh fever.

Once the fever subsides, a rash that lasts several days may appear.

Measles

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Characteristics of the rash include:

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2.

Measles often starts with cold-likesymptoms, red eyes, and white spots in the mouth.

Chickenpox Rash

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A few days later, a rash with the following features develops:

3.

HFMD often causes a fever, flu-like symptoms,low appetite, and painful swallowing.

A rash with the following characteristics appears around the same time.

Hand Foot And Mouth Disease

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Fifth Disease

Fifth diseaseis a common childhood illness typically affecting kids aged 4-10.

Fifth disease may start with mild flu-like symptoms and this characteristic rash:

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Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is rare in areas with high MMR vaccination rates.

A person with a fifth disease rash

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But it can occur in other areas.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosumis common in toddlers, especially those in daycare.

A molluscum contagiosum rash involves:

8.

A child with a Rubella or german measels rash

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Laterothoracic Exanthem

Heres an overview oflaterothoracic exanthem.

Non-specific Viral Exanthem

A non-specific viral exanthem rash can accompany various viral infections.

It usually clears within five days.

A person’s skin with molluscum contagium

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Most rashes improve with home care.

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

MedlinePlus.Measles.

Laterothoracic Exanthem rash on child’s arm pit

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MedlinePlus.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.

2022;78(2):147-150. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2020.05.002

MedlinePlus.Rubella.

Acrodermatitis Gianotti Crosti Syndrome

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rubella.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Molluscum contagiosum.

Sudipta KR, Bhattacharjee S.Dengue virus: epidemiology, biology, and disease aetiology.Canadian Journal of Microbiology.

Dengue fever rash

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023

2021;67(10):687-702. doi:10.1139/cjm-2020-0572

MedlinePlus.Dengue fever.

American Academy of Pediatrics.When to keep your child home from child care.

2023;14(5):686-691. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_40_23