This image displays typical pink to red elevations of the skin and non-scaling, slightly elevated lesions on a patient with a viral exanthem.
This image displays typical pink to red elevations of the skin and non-scaling, slightly elevated lesions on a patient with a viral exanthem.
On a person with a viral exanthem, the pink to red, slightly elevated lesions on the skin can become widespread.
On a person with a viral exanthem, the pink to red, slightly elevated lesions on the skin can become widespread.
This image displays widespread flat and raised skin lesions that are red or pink in color typical of viral skin rashes.
This image displays widespread flat and raised skin lesions that are red or pink in color typical of viral skin rashes.
In viral exanthem the pink patch of affected skin should turn white when you push on it with a finger.
In viral exanthem the pink patch of affected skin should turn white when you push on it with a finger.
Viral exanthems can have a mix of small raised and flat lesions.
Viral exanthems can have a mix of small raised and flat lesions.
As displayed in this image, the pink to red elevations of the skin from viral exanthem are not scaly.
As displayed in this image, the pink to red elevations of the skin from viral exanthem are not scaly.
Viral exanthems usually are pink to light red and can be quite extensive, covering the trunk and other areas.
Viral exanthems usually are pink to light red and can be quite extensive, covering the trunk and other areas.

Images of Viral Exanthem (7)

This image displays typical pink to red elevations of the skin and non-scaling, slightly elevated lesions on a patient with a viral exanthem.
On a person with a viral exanthem, the pink to red, slightly elevated lesions on the skin can become widespread.
This image displays widespread flat and raised skin lesions that are red or pink in color typical of viral skin rashes.
In viral exanthem the pink patch of affected skin should turn white when you push on it with a finger.
Viral exanthems can have a mix of small raised and flat lesions.
As displayed in this image, the pink to red elevations of the skin from viral exanthem are not scaly.
Viral exanthems usually are pink to light red and can be quite extensive, covering the trunk and other areas.

Viral Exanthem

Viral exanthem, also known as non-specific viral rash, is a rash caused by a viral infection. Many viruses can cause a similar-appearing rash, so it is difficult to tell which one is the culprit. Your age, duration of illness, and other symptoms may suggest which virus is the cause. Respiratory and stomach (gastrointestinal) viruses are common causes of such a rash.



Who's At Risk?

Viral exanthem is common in children and young adults who are not yet immune to a number of common viral infections. When an adult gets a non-specific viral rash, it might be caused by a drug reaction.

Signs & Symptoms

A widespread rash of pink-to-red spots or bumps occurs primarily on the trunk, arms, and legs. The rash may or may not be itchy. Sometimes, the person does not feel well and might have a fever, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, aches and pains, and irritability.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • For mild symptoms, no treatment is required, as the rash and illness often last only a few days and then go away.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be helpful in lowering the fever and reducing aches and pains.
  • Drink plenty of liquids and get lots of bed rest.

Treatments

Blood tests or procedures to grow out viruses or bacteria (cultures) may be done to look for more serious causes of your rash.

If a serious bacterial or other infection is suspected, antibiotics may be given.

Visit Urgency

See your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • A temperature over 101 degrees that lasts more than a day
  • Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures
  • Diarrhea and/or vomiting and severe abdominal pain
  • Severe cough or sputum with pus or blood
  • Spots, swelling, and redness on the palms or soles, blisters, swollen and painful joints
  • Red eyes, mouth, or tongue
  • Rash that is bright red and does not fade (blanch) with finger pressure

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1255-1259. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.2099-2101. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Disease Groups: New Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults

Last modified on October 10th, 2022 at 5:00 pm

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