Viral exanthema rashes are a symptom of a viral infection.
Exanthema is a medical term for a widespread rash over the entire body. Exanthema rashes are usually caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or certain medications. Those caused by viruses are called viral exanthema rashes.
What causes viral rash?
There are a number of different viral infections that can cause a viral exanthema rash. Not all of these infections create a rash in everyone they infect. Keep in mind that some types of infections are more common than others. Also, some are more dangerous to health than others.
Viral infections that can cause a rash include:
There are several ways that all of these infections can trigger a viral rash on your body. In some cases, your rash is your immune system’s natural way of reacting to the infection.
The virus could also be causing direct damage to your body. This could be in the form of physical damage to the skin or as a reaction to toxins that some viruses produce.
What are the common symptoms of viral rash?
The viral rash can start anywhere on your body. Your torso and face are the most common starting points. Then the rash spreads from there.
The symptoms of the rash itself can vary from person to person. Symptoms of the rash may include:
Red or pink spots on large portions of your bodyItchy, but not all viral exanthema rashes will be itchyBlisters
If your rash itches, you can cause even more damage by scratching too much. This can lead to scarring and open wounds that cause skin infections.
Typically, the rash can last from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on what virus caused it.
Your rash is likely to be accompanied by all the other symptoms these viruses are known to cause. This can differ from one type of infection to another. Symptoms that are quite common for most underlying viral infections include:
For the most part, these symptoms will also last for the entirety of your infection.
Is viral rash contagious?
Rashes of viral exanthemas are not inherently contagious, but the virus that is causing the rash is likely to be highly contagious. You should avoid close contact with other people while you still have the rash so you don’t spread the infection to someone else.
Ways to prevent spreading your infection to others include:
Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing. Stay away from public places, including school or work. Wear a face mask when you have to get close to other people.
You should be especially careful with pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. Talk to your doctor to find out when it is safe for you to return to school or work.
How is a viral exanthema rash diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose your viral rash by looking at all of your symptoms. You will need to undergo tests to find out exactly which virus is causing your rash. You may need blood tests and samples from your nose or throat.
What are the effective treatments for viral exanthema rash?
There are usually no treatments for the underlying viral infections that cause the viral rash. You should rest and the infection should go away on its own in a few days or weeks.
The main treatment options are aimed at relieving your symptoms. Common treatments include the use of lotions and creams such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream.
To soothe the skin, you can try applying a cool, wet cloth to the irritated areas throughout the day. Let it act for 15 to 30 minutes.
You can also take acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to help control body aches or fever.
Please note that aspirin should not be used to treat viral illnesses in children. Aspirin use is associated with Reye’s syndrome, which can be a fatal disorder in young children.
How can a viral exanthema rash be prevented?
The best way to prevent viral rash is to stay safe from viral infections. To avoid getting viral infections, you should:
Get vaccinated for infections that have vaccines available, this includes chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. sanitize your hands frequently, especially just before eating. Stay away from people who are currently sick.
What else could his rash be?
If you recently developed a rash but it is not accompanied by any of the other symptoms of a viral infection, it may not be a viral exanthema rash.
Common types of rashes include:
contact dermatitis. This can be caused by anything your skin touches, such as chemicals, cosmetics, and detergents. It is also the name of the rash created by contact with poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. The condition can be irritating but is relatively harmless. It usually goes away when you stop coming in contact with whatever caused it. atopic dermatitis or eczema. This rash is almost always itchy and has a scaly texture. It is common in people with allergies or asthma. Treatment can be complicated and the extent of the condition can vary from person to person. Psoriasis. This is a rash that appears as red, scaly patches that form over the joints and scalp. It may or may not be itchy. Your nails can also sometimes have symptoms.
When should you see a doctor?
You should always see a doctor when the rash starts because the rash can also be caused by bacteria. Unlike viral infections, bacterial infections can and sometimes must be treated with medication. This means that the faster you get help, the faster your rash will clear up.
You also need to get medical help if you or your child show signs of a skin infection. These include:
High feverPus from the rashSwelling or pain in the skinHeat around the rash
Source: www.webmd.com