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What Is a Viral Exanthem?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A viral exanthem is a rash associated with a virus; it may be caused by an immune overreaction or by toxins released by the virus. It is usually widespread across the body and can vary in characteristics depending on which virus is responsible. Some cases are self-limiting and resolve with the virus, while others may require specific treatment. A medical provider can examine the patient to determine the cause and make recommendations for treating the underlying issue and addressing the rash.

Young children in particular are very prone to viral rashes. Mild rashes may simply cause skin flushing and some spotting, while severe rashes may include large welts which can itch and ulcerate, oozing fluids and exposing the underlying tissue. Chickenpox is a classic example of a common childhood illness that can cause a viral exanthem. As the patient recovers, the rash will start to resolve, although some scarring may remain if the patient scratched at the sores while the virus was active.

High fever is often associated with viral infections.
High fever is often associated with viral infections.

Measles, scarlet fever, staph infections, and roseola, among others, can also cause a viral exanthem. Some of these conditions require more aggressive treatment because they can present a health risk to the patient; high fever associated with some viral infections, for example, can cause brain damage, and in cases may lead to coma and death if it is not addressed. Vaccinations are available for some dangerous viruses known to cause rashes, allowing patients to prevent infections and the uncomfortable rashes that sometimes accompany them.

Measles can sometimes be the cause of a viral exanthem.
Measles can sometimes be the cause of a viral exanthem.

Rashes can be itchy or painful and a viral exanthem may require treatment with steroids and other topical ointments to reduce inflammation and make the patient feel more comfortable. Preparations of calamine lotion and similar products can also limit itching, as can bathing in baking soda or oatmeal to soften the skin and reduce irritation. If a patient starts scratching at a rash, there is a risk of causing infection, and it may be helpful to wear long clothes or gloves at night to prevent absentminded scratching.

Rashes can be itchy or painful and a viral exanthem may require treatment with steroids and other topical ointments to reduce inflammation.
Rashes can be itchy or painful and a viral exanthem may require treatment with steroids and other topical ointments to reduce inflammation.

One of the most infamous causes of a viral exanthem is believed to be extinct in the wild. The smallpox virus famously causes an eruption across the patient’s body as it progresses, and the scabs from the rash can sometimes contain live viruses that can infect others. With an aggressive worldwide vaccination campaign in the 20th century, nations worked together to eradicate this killer disease, although samples remain extant in research facilities.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon965792

@Blue Dolphin -- My son has it right now. It began about 12 days ago and is still spreading and is even on his face now. It seems that his hands are beginning to improve. His doctor said that once the first area of the rash starts to go away, you will have a gauge of how long each area will last. Hope that helps, and hoping for a quick recovery for your son!

anon327182

I have it right now also. I have been to the doctor twice now within a month. He gave me a steroid cream to help with the itching, but nothing else. He also said just to wait for it to go away, which is frustrating. He said that it can take another few months. I just want it to go away.

ddljohn

So if there is a viral rash, does this mean that the virus is no longer contagious?

bluedolphin

My son has viral exanthem right now. He had a fever last week and then this rash showed up. His pediatrician said that the rash is caused by a viral infection. He said I don't have to do anything other than wait and check his temperature to make sure he doesn't have a fever.

My son hasn't had another fever but the rash is spreading. I can't believe I'm supposed to just wait for it to go away. I don't think my son is in pain and he's not itching either but I just want the rash to disappear.

Are there any parents out there who have dealt with this before? How long did it take for the rash to go away? Did you apply anything on the rash meanwhile?

fBoyle

I had no idea that the rash caused by staph infections are considered viral exanthem. But doesn't staph always cause a rash? I thought that viral exanthem may or may not occur during a viral infection.

My roommate got staph from her boyfriend. She has a horrible rash on her leg. It's ulcerated and oozing pus. It's really horrible.

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    • High fever is often associated with viral infections.
      By: kmiragaya
      High fever is often associated with viral infections.
    • Measles can sometimes be the cause of a viral exanthem.
      By: NatUlrich
      Measles can sometimes be the cause of a viral exanthem.
    • Rashes can be itchy or painful and a viral exanthem may require treatment with steroids and other topical ointments to reduce inflammation.
      By: dimakp
      Rashes can be itchy or painful and a viral exanthem may require treatment with steroids and other topical ointments to reduce inflammation.
    • An infection may develop as a result of a person scratching a rash.
      By: phasinphoto
      An infection may develop as a result of a person scratching a rash.
    • Vaccinations are available for some viruses known to cause rashes.
      By: Renata Osinska
      Vaccinations are available for some viruses known to cause rashes.
    • Mild rashes can cause skin flushing and some spotting.
      By: adam88xx
      Mild rashes can cause skin flushing and some spotting.
    • Viruses are often highly contagious, and many must simply run their course.
      By: Creativa
      Viruses are often highly contagious, and many must simply run their course.