What is a viral rash?

A rash is a change in the way your skin looks or feels. A viral rash is a type of rash that is caused by a virus.

A viral rash can cause your skin to become:

• red or pink
• bumpy
• blistered
• itchy

You may also have other symptoms of a virus, such as:

• fever (temperature of 38°C or higher)
• fatigue
• sore throat
• runny nose

A viral rash will often start on your chest or abdomen (tummy) and then spread to your limbs or neck.

A viral rash may look different to a non-viral rash.

Usually, a non-viral rash:

• will remain in one area
• causes dry or irritated skin
• does not come with other symptoms, such as a fever
• gets better quickly if the irritant that caused it is removed

Depending on the type of virus causing it, a viral rash can last from 2 days up to 4 weeks.

When might I get a viral rash?

A viral rash will often appear during a viral infection.

Many virus infections can cause a rash, including:

• chickenpox, measles or rubella in adults or children
• hand, foot and mouth disease or slapped cheek disease in children
• roseola infantum in children under 3 years of age
• shingles, which usually occurs in adults over 50 years of age
• pityriasis rosea in young adults

Viral rashes are more common in children because their immune systems are still developing. This makes them more likely to catch a virus.

Older adults may also have weaker immune systems and be more likely to catch viruses.

What is a post-viral rash?

A post-viral rash is a type of rash that appears after you have had a virus infection.

A post-viral rash is not always the last stage of having a virus — it depends on which type of virus you have.

You may still be contagious if you have a post-viral rash.

What causes a viral rash?

A viral rash is caused by your immune system reacting to a virus.

There are many different infections that can cause a viral rash.

• Shingles causes painful blisters on one side of your face, chest or abdomen. This rash is due to the varicella zoster virus that also causes chickenpox.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease causes blisters on your hands, feet and mouth. This rash is caused by an enterovirus.
• Fifth disease (slapped cheek disease) can cause a bright red rash on your cheeks. It's caused by a parvovirus.
• Roseola infantum causes pink, raised spots that begin on your baby's chest or abdomen and then spreads to their limbs. This rash is caused by human herpesvirus 6.
• The measles virus can cause a blotchy red rash that starts on your head or chest and spreads to your arms and legs.
• The rubella virus can cause a red rash, which usually starts a few days after becoming unwell.
• Pityriasis rosea can cause a scaly patch on your chest, back or limbs. It's caused by a human herpes virus.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have:

• any symptoms of a viral rash, as well as a fever
• a rash that does not blanch (turn skin colour) when you press on it
• a red and blotchy rash, as well as other signs of measles such as a cough

You should see your doctor if you are worried about your rash.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

When to seek emergency care

You should seek emergency care if you have any symptoms of a viral rash, as well as:

• a fever and a headache, stiff neck or back pain
• trouble breathing, or any symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)

If you have red or purple spots that do not blanch (do not fade or turn pale when pressed) and a fever, this may be a sign of meningococcal disease. Get emergency care if you think you have meningococcal disease.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is a viral rash treated?

Treatment of a viral rash will depend on which virus is causing the rash.

Self-care at home

If your rash blanches when you press on it, and you don't have any other symptoms, it's likely you can manage it at home.

Here are some tips to help you manage your viral rash at home:

• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep your skin affected by the rash dry and clean.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing.
• Avoid scratching the rash.

Medicines for viral rashes

If your rash is causing pain or swelling, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend pain-relief medicines or antihistamines.

You may be prescribed an antiviral medicine to help you recover faster and lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Antiviral medicines are usually most effective if you start to take them within 72 hours of the rash first appearing.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, so they will not help if you have a viral rash.

Other treatment options

If you are very sick or have complications, you might need to go to hospital.

What are the complications of a viral rash?

A viral rash can cause complications, but this is rare. Possible complications include:

• neuralgia (nerve pain) — shingles can cause damage to your nerves, which may lead to chronic (long-lasting) nerve pain
• vision problems — shingles can damage your optic nerve (nerve leading to your eye), which can cause blurred vision or vision loss
• skin infection — scratching a viral rash can break the skin allowing bacteria to enter, which can lead to a skin infection

Can a viral rash be prevented?

Here are some tips to help prevent a viral rash:

• Have good hand-washing habits.
• Make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a viral infection.

It's also important to help prevent the spread of viruses. If you have any symptoms of a viral rash, you should:

• wash your hands often
• avoid sharing things such as cutlery, towels and clothing
• not visit hospitals or aged-care facilities where you could pass the virus on to vulnerable people

If you have a notifiable disease, your doctor might be required to report your illness to your local public health unit.

Resources and support

Read more about common rashes in children and how to recognise them on the Children's Health Queensland page.

Learn more about the National Notifiable Disease List on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing page.

The Government of South Australia page offers information on how to have good hand hygiene.

Languages other than English

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne offers fact sheets in multiple languages, including:

• common types of rashes and how to recognise them
• common viral illnesses

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.