9 Types of Viral Rashes—and What To Know About Each

A viral rash, also called viral exanthem, is a skin condition that can occur when you contract a viral infection. Viral rashes are not the same as rashes due to allergic reactions, such as from a food allergy, pollen, or touching an allergen. Viruses cause viral rashes.

Rashes from viral infections can affect you at any age and may cause a series of bumps or spots that may itch, burn, or change color, depending on the exact infection you have. Some of the more well-known types of viral rashes include chickenpox, rubella, and measles. Fortunately, your rash symptoms often go away as you gradually recover from the infection.

Types of Viral Rashes 

Several viral infections can lead to skin rashes. Each rash can look different and cause its own distinct set of symptoms. Here are some of the most common types.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and causes an itchy rash that can look like discolored spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. This infection is part of the herpes virus family, and the same virus causes shingles in adults. Due to the prevalence of the chickenpox vaccine, it's rare to contract this illness today.

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Measles

Measles—a highly contagious disease that occurs when you contract the measles virus—appears as a blotchy, inflamed rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. It's common to also experience fever, cough, and runny nose when you have measles.

You can develop this infection when you are in close contact with someone who has the condition. Specifically, the germs of an infected person can pass on to you when they sneeze or cough.

If you do not have the measles vaccine (also called the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella), you have a 90% chance of developing the infection if you are exposed to someone who has measles. However, if you had measles before or received the vaccine, you are protected against the illness and are significantly less likely to develop symptoms.

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Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, looks like an inflamed rash that begins on the face or behind the ears and spreads to your body. This infection can also cause mild fever, a runny nose, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Generally, the rash resolves on its own within one to three days.

Healthcare providers typically consider this infection to be mild. However, rubella can pose significant risks if you are in the early stages of your pregnancy. Contracting rubella during the initial four months of pregnancy substantially increases the likelihood of severe birth defects in a developing fetus.

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Fifth Disease

Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19 that primarily affects children. The intensity of this infection can fluctuate. However, symptoms typically subside within seven to ten days.

This infection can look like a "slapped cheek," causing an inflamed rash on a child's face. A lacy rash can also develop on the body and limbs, leading to mild discomfort. It may also cause itching, particularly on the soles of the feet.

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Roseola

Roseola is linked to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7. This virus starts with a high fever and eventually causes a rash consisting of small, raised, inflamed bumps on the skin.

The rash typically starts on the trunk of the body before spreading to the limbs and face. Most people who develop roseola are children between three months and four years of age.

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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) occurs when you come into close contact with someone with the infection. This can happen when you are exposed to germs when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you. This virus is most contagious during the first week of illness.

Symptoms of HFMD often develop three to five days after exposure and can last seven to ten days. During this time, you may experience a fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and a rash that looks like tender or painful small blisters on the hands, feet, and diaper area. It's also common for sores or ulcerations in the mouth, throat, and tongue to develop.

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Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

This reactivation results in a painful rash that typically appears as a band or stripe of fluid-filled blisters on one side of the body, often wrapping around the torso. When you have shingles, it's common to experience a burning or tingling sensation or extreme sensitivity in the affected area. Over the course of 14 to 21 days, the blisters gradually crust over and heal.

While the rash itself may subside within a few weeks, some people may experience nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia, which can persist for months or even years after the rash has healed.

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Zika Virus

You can develop the Zika virus through mosquito bites and having sex with someone who has the infection. Pregnant people can also pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. As a result of the virus, you may experience a rash that looks flat or slightly raised and causes small inflamed spots on your body.

Many people who contract the Zika virus can also experience fever, joint pain, muscle aches, headache, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). These symptoms can last for a few days to a week.

Pregnant people and those planning to become pregnant should take special precautions to avoid Zika virus exposure, as this infection can increase the risk of birth defects in babies born to a birth parent who has the infection during pregnancy.

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Molloscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, as well as by touching contaminated objects. This viral skin infection results in the formation of small, round, raised bumps on the skin. These bumps, called "Mollusca," are typically smooth and firm, flesh-colored or pearly, and can grow as large as a pencil eraser.

Generally, bumps appear anywhere on the body. This infection tends to occur for a longer period than other viral rashes. The bumps typically resolve in six to 12 months but can take up to four years to heal.

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Viral Rash vs. Allergic Reaction

A viral rash is different than an allergic reaction because an infection causes it. With an allergic reaction, no infection is present. Instead, the rash occurs in response to the body's immune reaction to a substance, such as a food, pet dander, or pollen.

Viral Rash Symptoms

While several types of infections can cause a viral rash, each virus can produce its own subset of symptoms. Depending on the infection you have, you might experience:

• Chickenpox: Itchy discolored spots, fluid-filled blisters that crust over, bumps that start on the face before spreading
  
• Measles: Blotchy rash that starts on the face, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and small white spots in the mouth
• Rubella: An inflamed rash that starts on the face, mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain
  
• Fifth disease: Discoloration on the cheeks, lacy rash on the body and limbs, mild fever, headache, and fatigue
• Roseola: An inflamed rash that starts on the trunk before spreading to other body parts, high fever before the rash develops, and mild respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath
  
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease: Sores and blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and butt, fever, sore throat, malaise (or a general feeling of being unwell), and difficulty eating or drinking due to painful sores in the mouth
• Shingles: Painful fluid-filled blisters, discomfort on or near the rash site, and a burning, itching, or tingling sensation
• Zika virus: Small and flat inflamed spots that start on the face, fever, joint pain, headache, and redness in the eyes
• Molluscum contagiosum: Small, round, and raised bumps, sores that are flesh-colored or appear pearly, and bumps that occur in clusters and feel itchy
  

Viral Rash Causes

Knowing how viral infections spread is important so you can understand how to prevent contracting these viruses and developing rash symptoms. The cause of each viral infection can differ. Here's a breakdown of what causes each infection and how the infection spreads:

Viral Rash Diagnosis

If you develop a rash, it's a good idea to contact your healthcare provider to learn what may be causing your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will likely ask you about your medical history and perform a physical exam (or ask you to send photos of your rash if your appointment is via telehealth) to learn more about your rash.

In many cases, your provider can make a diagnosis based on what your rash looks like. However, if the cause of your rash is unclear, they may also refer you to an infectious disease specialist or a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in the skin).

In addition to taking your medical history, your healthcare provider may also order the following tests to learn more about your infection:

• Allergy testing
• Blood tests
• Skin biopsy
• Skin scrapings
  

Viral Rash Treatment

Depending on the type of viral rash you have, your healthcare provider can offer specific recommendations to clear up your symptoms. Self-care is generally the most common treatment option. Before trying at-home treatments, talk to your provider to see if home remedies are safe.

Most rashes will eventually resolve on their own over time. In the meantime, your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment methods:

• Allow the affected area to breathe by keeping it uncovered, if possible
• Avoid rubbing or scratching your skin or applying cosmetic products directly onto the rash
• Use lukewarm water for cleansing and opt for mild cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners
• Gently pat dry your body after showering instead of harshly rubbing with a towel
• Try over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or use a stronger formula that you can receive via prescription from your provider
• Use calamine-medicated lotion, petroleum jelly, or anti-itch lotion, and stop using new lotions or cosmetics that may have caused your symptoms
  

Viral Rash Prevention 

You can prevent viral rash symptoms through proper vaccination. It is important to ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent contracting and spreading contagious viruses. This is especially true for children, pregnant people, and travelers going outside of the country.

Some rash-causing viruses that have vaccines available include:

• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Rubella
• Shingles

The following strategies can also limit the spreading of some viruses: frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, ensuring good ventilation in the building, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

Complications

Many potential complications can come from various rash-causing viruses. You may be at risk of experiencing complications if you are not vaccinated for certain infections or do not seek treatment when you develop symptoms.

Complications tend to vary depending on the exact infection you have but may include:

• Chickenpox: Joint pain and swelling, viral pneumonia, and Reyes syndrome (which affects the liver, blood, and brain)
• Measles: Ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain swelling)
• Fifth Disease: Severe anemia (or, low production of red blood cells in your body)
  
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease: Dehydration due to difficulty swallowing
• Molluscum contagiosum: Increased risk of having a repeat infection
• Roseola: Fever and seizures in young children
• Rubella: Birth defects if you contract the infection during pregnancy
  
• Shingles: Persistent nerve pain even after the rash has healed
• Zika virus: Neurological (brain-related) abnormalities and birth defects in a developing fetus if you develop the virus during pregnancy
  

When To See a Healthcare Provider

It's a good idea to contact a health provider if you show signs of a viral rash. Getting a correct diagnosis and treatment can help you know how to best care for yourself.

Consult a medical provider if you have any questions or concerns about your symptoms, and seek medical care right away if you are having trouble breathing, your rash covers your whole body, you're in pain or have open sores, or the rash is on your eyes, mouth, or genitals.

A Quick Review

A rash on your skin can often be a symptom of an underlying viral infection. If you contract a virus, it's also common to experience accompanying symptoms such as a fever, headache, muscle discomfort, joint pain, or swollen lymph nodes. Many viral rashes start on the torso or facial area and often extend to other body regions.

Each rash can look different, depending on the exact infection that is causing your symptoms. You may notice raised areas, discoloration, dots or bumps, itchy patches of skin, and blisters that are filled with fluid. A variety of infections can cause a viral rash, such as measles, chickenpox, and shingles.

Fortunately, rashes tend to go away when your infection starts to heal. In most cases, your symptoms may subside without any treatment. However, if you are concerned about your condition, it's good practice to see your provider and ask for treatment recommendations and at-home remedies that can improve your symptoms and speed up the healing process.