This image displays typical pink-to-red elevations of the skin and nonscaling, slightly elevated lesions on a patient with a viral exanthem.
This image displays typical pink-to-red elevations of the skin and nonscaling, 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 nonscaling, 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, also known as a nonspecific viral rash, is a rash caused by a viral infection. Many viruses can cause a similar-appearing rash, and it is often difficult to tell which virus is the culprit. Your age, the duration of the illness, the appearance of the rash, and other symptoms (such as cough, congestion, or gastrointestinal symptoms) may suggest which virus is the cause. Respiratory viruses (eg, flu and the common cold) and stomach (gastrointestinal) viruses are common causes of viral exanthems.



Who's At Risk?

Viral exanthem is common in children and young adults who are not yet immune to the common viral infections, but anyone of any age can be affected.

Signs & Symptoms

A widespread rash of pink-to-red macules (small, flat, smooth areas of skin), papules (small, solid bumps), patches (flat, smooth areas larger than a thumbnail), or plaques (raised or bumpy areas larger than a thumbnail) occurs primarily on the trunk, arms, and legs. In darker skin colors, the redness may be harder to see, or it may look purplish. Rarely, vesicles (small blisters) may be present. The rash may or may not be itchy. In addition to the rash, you may not feel well and may have a fever, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, aches and pains, and irritability. Most viral exanthems last a few days or up to a few weeks.

In addition to the widespread rash on the skin, the inside of the mouth, the genitals, and the eyes may be affected as well.

Self-Care Guidelines

For mild symptoms, no treatment is required and the rash and illness often last only a few days and then go away. Additionally:

  • Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) may be helpful in lowering the fever and reducing aches and pains.
  • Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can be applied to help relieve itch.
  • Drink plenty of liquids and get lots of bed rest.

Treatments

Your medical professional may do blood tests or cultures to look for more serious causes of your rash.

There is no treatment or cure for most viruses, so if your rash is viral in nature, your medical professional may prescribe treatments to improve your symptoms, such as a topical steroid to help relieve itch, while waiting for the virus to clear on its own. If a serious bacterial or other infection is suspected, antibiotics may be given.

Visit Urgency

See your medical professional if you have:

  • A temperature over 101°F (38.33°C) 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 phlegm containing pus or blood.
  • Spots, swelling, and redness on the palms or soles; blisters; or swollen and painful joints.
  • Red eyes, mouth, or tongue.
  • Rash that is bright red and does not fade (blanch) when pressure is applied with a finger.
  • A painful rash.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Paller A, Mancini A. Paller and Mancini: Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.

Disease Groups: New Itchy Skin Rashes in Adults

Last modified on June 17th, 2024 at 1:37 pm

Not sure what to look for?

Try our new Rash and Skin Condition Finder

Age
Gender
Submit