Fifth disease causes a rash on the cheeks and a more widespread rash that typically involves the trunk and arms.
Fifth disease causes a rash on the cheeks and a more widespread rash that typically involves the trunk and arms.
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.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 Viral exanthem is the term for the red bumps and flat lesions seen in many viral infections.
Viral exanthem is the term for the red bumps and flat lesions seen in many viral infections.
This image displays broad pink areas as well as numerous scattered pink bumps, one of many different appearances typical of viral exanthems.
This image displays broad pink areas as well as numerous scattered pink bumps, one of many different appearances typical of viral exanthems.
This image displays viral exanthem affecting the face.
This image displays viral exanthem affecting the face.
This image displays a widespread and severe case of viral exanthem.
This image displays a widespread and severe case of viral exanthem.
In people with darker skin, inflammation from viral exanthem can appear as a deep red color.
In people with darker skin, inflammation from viral exanthem can appear as a deep red color.
In people with very dark skin, the inflammation and redness of viral exanthem is more subtle, but the rash is easily seen and felt by the touch.
In people with very dark skin, the inflammation and redness of viral exanthem is more subtle, but the rash is easily seen and felt by the touch.
Viral exanthems can have intense red, inflamed skin lesions.
Viral exanthems can have intense red, inflamed skin lesions.

Images of Viral Exanthem (9)

Fifth disease causes a rash on the cheeks and a more widespread rash that typically involves the trunk and arms.
This image displays widespread flat and raised skin lesions that are red or pink in color typical of viral skin rashes.

Graphic content

 Viral exanthem is the term for the red bumps and flat lesions seen in many viral infections.
This image displays broad pink areas as well as numerous scattered pink bumps, one of many different appearances typical of viral exanthems.
This image displays viral exanthem affecting the face.
This image displays a widespread and severe case of viral exanthem.
In people with darker skin, inflammation from viral exanthem can appear as a deep red color.
In people with very dark skin, the inflammation and redness of viral exanthem is more subtle, but the rash is easily seen and felt by the touch.
Viral exanthems can have intense red, inflamed skin lesions.

Viral Exanthem

A viral exanthem is the general term for a rash caused by a virus. Many rashes can look similar, and it is often difficult to determine the exact cause of the rash. Other symptoms your child might have along with the rash may provide clues as to which virus is responsible for the rash. Many times the exact virus is not determined, but the illness is treated with supportive care, meaning that the symptoms are treated until they disappear. Viral exanthems generally appear red and blotchy and are present from head to toe.



Who's At Risk?

This rash is common in infants and/or children who have acquired a viral infection such as one causing cold symptoms or a sore throat.

Signs & Symptoms

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

Self-Care Guidelines

For people with only mild symptoms, no treatment is required, as the rash and illness often last for only a few days and go away on their own. However, you might try:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for low fever and aches and pains. (DO NOT USE aspirin in children aged 18 or younger.)
  • Bed rest and plenty of liquids.

Treatments

The doctor may do blood tests or cultures to look for more serious causes of such a rash.

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

Visit Urgency

See your child’s doctor if your child has a rash and any of the following:

  • Fever with a temperature over 101 degrees that lasts more than a day
  • Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures
  • Diarrhea and/or vomiting, 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 August 16th, 2022 at 2:44 pm

Not sure what to look for?

Try our new Rash and Skin Condition Finder

Age
Gender
Submit