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.
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.
This image displays pink areas typical of viral exanthem.
This image displays pink areas typical of viral exanthem.
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.
This image displays how a viral rash with tiny blisters may affect the mucous membranes (see the lips).
This image displays how a viral rash with tiny blisters may affect the mucous membranes (see the lips).
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 (8)

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 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.
This image displays pink areas typical of viral exanthem.
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.
This image displays how a viral rash with tiny blisters may affect the mucous membranes (see the lips).
Viral exanthems usually are pink to light red and can be quite extensive, covering the trunk and other areas.

Viral Exanthem

Viral exanthem is the name given to a rash that is presumed to be caused by a virus but it is unclear which virus is the cause. These rashes can look very different: some are itchy, some are all over the body (widespread), some are pink, and some are red. The way the rash looks and the affected person’s other symptoms and age are all clues that can help your doctor determine the cause of the rash. Depending on the virus involved, these rashes can be contagious. There is often no available treatment, but for some viral exanthems your doctor may wish to treat the underlying virus, so it is important to show any concerning rash to your doctor. It is always important to practice good hand washing when a virus is suspected.



Who's At Risk?

Anyone of any age can develop a viral exanthem, though they are far more common in babies, young children, and teens who are not yet immune to as many viruses as adults are.

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 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 for low fever and aches and pains.
  • Get lots of bed rest and drink plenty of liquids.

Treatments

Blood tests or procedures to grow out viruses of 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:

  • 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, 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

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