Viral infections that can cause rashes include mononucleosis, chickenpox, shingles, rubella, and more. Viral rashes can cause stinging, itching, and pain. Home remedies and medical treatments may help.
This article looks at common types of viral rashes in adults and children. It also offers advice on how to identify them and when to contact a doctor.
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A viral rash is one that occurs due to a viral infection. It can itch, sting, burn, or hurt.
The appearance of viral skin rashes can vary. They may appear as welts, small bumps, or red, brown, or purple blotches, and they might develop only on one part of the body or become widespread.
The duration of the rash also varies considerably depending on the type of virus responsible. A wide variety of viruses cause rashes.
While many viral infections affect people of all ages, some are more common in children and infants, and others primarily occur in adults.
The following are among the most well-known viral rashes:
The Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis, which can affect people of all ages.
The virus most commonly spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, which is why people nickname it the “kissing disease.”
The rash that develops in mononucleosis typically consists of small bumps that can occur anywhere on the body, including the face and trunk. It may have pink undertones on all skin tones, though it may be harder to see on darker skin.
The rash is more prevalent among individuals taking certain antibiotics. According to research, up to 80% of children with infectious mononucleosis developed a rash after taking ampicillin or amoxicillin, which are two types of penicillin.
Other symptoms of mononucleosis include:
Chickenpox can occur in adults and children, but it is more common in children. The varicella-zoster virus causes this illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitalizations and deaths from chickenpox in the United States have decreased by
However, the infection can spread quickly among people who have not received the vaccine.
The rash often first appears on the chest and then spreads to other areas of the body. The rash pattern changes as the illness progresses. It starts with small fluid-filled vesicles that look like blisters, but after a few days, the blisters begin to pop, crust, and scab as they heal. The blister may look white or gray.
Along with the rash, symptoms of chickenpox include:
- fever
- loss of appetite
- headaches
Shingles occurs most often in adults. The reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, causes this rash to develop.
After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains in certain nerve cells in their body. Although the virus often stays dormant forever, it can sometimes reactivate and lead to shingles.
Shingles involves a painful blistering rash that can develop anywhere on the body. This rash may appear red on pale skin. On darker skin tones, it may appear brown and be harder to see.
Other symptoms of shingles include:
- nerve pain, which can be long lasting
- fever
- headaches
Measles causes a viral rash that usually starts behind the ears and spreads to the face, neck, and trunk. The rash may be hard to see or appear purple on dark skin. On pale skin, it typically appears red.
The rubeola virus is responsible for measles. This illness differs from German measles, which occurs due to the rubella virus and may also cause a rash. German measles is usually less severe than measles, but rubella can cause severe congenital anomalies if a pregnant person contracts it.
According to the
Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, the incidence of measles in the U.S. has resurged due to reduced vaccination rates.
Additional symptoms of measles include:
- fever
- a runny nose
- a cough
- watery eyes
A common symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or back of the ears and may spread to the rest of the body. The rubella virus causes rubella.
The rash may appear red or pink on pale skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin, but the skin may feel rough or bumpy.
Other symptoms include:
- fever
- a sore throat
- headache
- sore, red ears
While rubella
Fifth disease typically causes a rash on the face that looks like a slapped cheek.
It may be less evident on darker skin tones than on pale skin. The rash may also spread to other areas of the body. Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease.
According to the
Common symptoms of fifth disease include:
- fever
- headaches
- joint pain
- a sore throat
Roseola infantum, which people sometimes call sixth disease, most often develops due to the human herpesvirus 6.
The roseola rash appears as small pink spots that are usually flat. Similar to fifth disease, the rash may be harder to see on darker skin tones than on pale skin. It may start on the chest and stomach before spreading to the arms and possibly the legs. The rash is generally not itchy.
Sixth disease mainly develops in infants ages 6 months to 1 year old.
Additional symptoms may include:
- a sudden high fever
- a cough
- decreased appetite
The rash usually begins after the fever resolves.
A person with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) may develop a painful rash on the bottom of their hands and feet, on the buttocks, and on other parts of the body. Different viruses can cause HFMD.
The rash may appear as small, red spots or water blisters, which may be more challenging to see on dark skin tones.
According to the
Other symptoms of HFMD include:
- a sore throat
- fever
- painful sores in the mouth
Molluscum contagiosum can cause small nontender bumps on the skin. Usually, these bumps clear up with time. A virus causes this infection.
It is more common in children ages 1 to 10 years.
The bumps can appear red, pink, or the same color as a person’s skin. They may:
- be firm or have a hole in the middle
- appear anywhere on the body
- be big or small
The bumps can take months to clear. Experts recommend not scratching sores or the rash, as this can cause them to spread to other parts of the body.
Sometimes, people with the Zika virus may develop a rash on their skin. Most often, though, the virus causes mild symptoms or none at all.
If a rash occurs, it may appear as flat blotches or raised reddish-colored bumps. Sometimes, it can be itchy.
Other symptoms that can develop include:
- headaches
- fever
- conjunctivitis (pinkeye), which affects the eyes
Traveling to an area where Zika is present is the most significant risk factor for the virus. Mosquitos can transmit it through bites.
People can also transmit the Zika virus in the following ways:
- from a pregnant person to a fetus
- through sexual contact
- via blood transfusion
- through organ transplantation
A viral rash generally does not require treatment, but treating the underlying virus may reduce symptoms when specific antiviral medications are available.
To reduce any accompanying fever, people may take:
- an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- another common analgesic, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Usually, as the virus clears up, the rash subsides. In the meantime, people can try the following to ease itching, pain, and any other discomfort:
- Apply a topical lotion: People may use calamine lotion or a topical corticosteroid to decrease itching. It is best to use a fragrance-free product to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Take an oatmeal bath: This can soothe the skin and reduce itching. Colloidal oatmeal, which differs from edible oatmeal, is a good option. People can buy colloidal oatmeal products in drugstores or online.
- Apply cool compresses: These may help relieve pain and itching.
- Avoid scratching: Scratching can increase pain and may lead to a skin infection.
It is important to talk with a doctor before taking or giving a child any medication. They may have adverse side effects.
Read about other ways to relieve an itchy rash.
How long does a viral rash last?
This depends on the type of virus causing the rash. Some rashes will last just a few days, while others may linger for a few weeks.
When should I seek medical attention?
Usually, additional systemic symptoms occur alongside a viral rash. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeking medical attention if a viral rash spreads too quickly, if there are signs of a bacterial infection, if it is painful, or if it lasts longer than a week without improving.
Can COVID-19 cause a rash?
Research shows that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, may cause a rash in as many as
Is a viral rash contagious?
Viruses that cause a rash can be contagious. If a person has a viral rash, they will need to wait for lesions to fully heal before participating in activities around other people to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Viral rashes can occur due to many common viruses, especially those that affect children. Various illnesses, such as mononucleosis, chickenpox, sixth disease, and measles, can cause viral rashes.
A viral rash may appear as small bumps, blisters, or patches in various parts of the body. The rash typically goes away once the illness has run its course.
Although the rash itself is not usually a cause for concern, the underlying virus may require medical care. Anytime a new rash develops, and the reason is unknown, it is best to contact a doctor.