Viral Rash Pictures

What is a Viral Rash?

A viral rash is any type of skin rash brought about by the presence of an underlying viral infection. Viral rashes are normally erythematous rashes, which means they are red and inflamed. Usually, viral rashes are not serious or life-threatening, although they can be frustrating and itchy. Certain viral illnesses such as chickenpox and measles include the presence of these rashes as a symptom but most viral rashes non-specific. Most viral rashes can have a sudden onset and are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and pains, but then resolve on their own after some time.

Viral Rash Symptoms

The appearance of a viral rash will depend upon the causative virus, but most non-specific viral rashes will have the following characteristics:

Appear as red blotches on the skin
May or may not be itchy
Tend to occur more on the torso and on the limbs
Rashes blanch on pressure

Viral rashes are also usually accompanied by other symptoms indicative of a viral infection, such as fever, headaches, and body pains.

Viral Rash Causes

Many different types of viruses are potential causes for any viral skin rash. In most cases, the root source of a rash can be determined according to the nature of the symptoms that are present, but in cases wherein the doctor is unable to identify the type of virus causing the condition, the rash is simply considered to be non-specific and is treated as a generic type of skin rash.

Viral Rash Treatment

Viral rashes are most effectively resolved once the viral infection itself is treated, but most viruses are self-limiting and are simply given time to heal and disappear on their own. The rashes can however be helped through topical remedies such as anti-itch creams and antihistamines in order to control the redness and itching.