Viral Exanthem Rash in Children and Adults

Viral rashes in adults and kids are common. Medically, this is called a viral exanthem or a viral exanthem rash. “Exanthem'' simply means a rash or eruption on the skin. Viral rashes cause pink or red spots, often accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue from the virus. There’s little that healthcare providers can do to treat a virus and the accompanying rash, but most resolve on their own fairly quickly.

Continue reading to learn more about viral exanthem rash, post-viral rash in adults, and viral rash in toddlers. The article will also answer the question, “Is a viral rash contagious?” and cover viral exanthem treatments. 

Describing a Viral Widespread Rash

Viral rashes are most common in young children ages 1–6, although anyone can develop a viral rash. The rash can develop anywhere but is most common on the face, torso, arms, and legs. The symptoms of a viral rash can vary widely but include:

• Pink, red, or purplish spots
• A rash covering a large area of the body
• Likely not itchy, though itchiness is possible
• Possible blistering
• Other viral infection symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue

Your healthcare provider may ask you where the rash first appeared since this can help them identify the virus that’s causing the rash. Take note of whether the rash first appeared on the face, trunk, or extremities and how it spread.

Link Between Viral Infection and Rash

There are three primary causes of viral rashes:

• The body’s immune response to the infection. 
• Damage to the skin by the infection
• A skin reaction to toxins that the virus produces. 

Any viral illness can cause a viral exanthem rash, but they most commonly occur with the following conditions:

• Chickenpox
• Fifth disease
• Measles 
• Roseola
• Rubella (German measles)
• Hand, foot, and mouth

In addition, COVID-19 and long COVID-19 can cause rashes. Very common illnesses that don’t typically cause rashes, including a cold or flu. Your healthcare provider may not know what specific illness is causing a rash.

How to Treat Viral Rashes at Home

Most viral rashes are nothing to worry about and do not require special treatment. They’ll resolve on their own as the viral infection wanes. If the rash is itchy, talk with your healthcare provider about at-home treatments that can help, including cold compresses and creams. 

Minimizing Viral Contagiousness

Many of the conditions that cause viral rashes are highly contagious. However, the rash itself isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread disease. Rather, these viral illnesses are often spread through close contact. 

To reduce contagiousness, follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of viral illness:

• Wash hands frequently, whether you’re sick or helping care for the sick person. 
• Wear a mask. Have both the sick person and their caregiver wear a mask if possible. 
• Get vaccinated. Vaccines reduce the risk of some common viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, measles, and chickenpox. 

Talk with your healthcare provider about how long a person is infectious. In some cases, viral rashes outlast the infectious period, so your child may be able to return to school or daycare even if they still have a rash.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

In most cases, viral rashes don’t need treatment and will resolve on their own. In fact, viral illnesses often have no treatments, although some—like flu and COVID—have treatments available to certain populations. 

If you or your child is quite sick and experiencing a viral rash, there’s never harm in reaching out to a healthcare provider for guidance. A healthcare provider may be able to help diagnose the root cause of your rash based on its appearance and where it originated.

Always see a healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you or a loved one experience:

• Trouble breathing
• High fever 
• Stiff neck
• Have other symptoms that are concerning

You should also call a healthcare provider if your rash and accompanying symptoms don’t resolve within a week or if you start feeling better and suddenly start feeling worse again. 

Summary

It’s common for viral infections to cause rashes, particularly in children. This can happen with viral illnesses that are closely associated with rashes—like chicken pox and measles—and infections that aren’t closely associated with rash, including flu, COVID-19, and colds. In most cases, viral rashes, medically called viral exanthems, don’t need treatment. However, if you’re concerned, reach out to your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician for guidance.