Viral exanthem is a term used to describe a type of skin rash, usually caused by underlying viral infections. The causative viruses include pathogens that cause illnesses like measles, chickenpox, rubella, fifth disease, roseola, and hand foot and mouth disease. It is also known as non-specific viral rash.
Viral exanthem typically occurs with systemic signs and symptoms like headache, fever, and general feeling of being unwell, etc. The symptoms may occur as a secondary reaction to skin damage done by the pathogen, toxins released by it, or an immune system response.
Young adults and children with not-fully developed immune systems are generally affected by this skin rash. Adults may develop viral exanthem as a reaction to certain medications. The rash may be contagious if the underlying causative viral infection is contagious.
As per the underlying cause, viral exanthem is treated with medications, self-care, and home remedies.
Symptoms of viral exanthem
Viral exanthem is accompanied by a variety of signs and symptoms and they are mostly dependent on the causative preexisting ailment. A few common symptoms are listed below:
- Skin rash consisting of reddish or pinkish spots, patches, or bumps spread across a large area.
- The rash typically occurs on the legs, arms, and torso
- Malaise
- Viral exanthem skin rash usually does not cause itchiness
- Pain and aches
- Fever
- Headache
- Exhaustion, tiredness, or fatigue
- Reduced appetite, loss of appetite
- Increased irritability
- A flushed facial appearance
- Strawberry tongue
- Nasal or chest congestion
- Vomiting and nausea
- Running nose
- Soreness and/or redness in throat
- Coughing
- Severe cases of viral exanthem skin rash may elicit big ulcers or welts that discharge fluids. The tissue below may become exposed. There may be itching.
Patients need to seek immediate medical care if viral exanthem occurs with below listed symptoms:
- Fever with more than one instance of body temperature of over 100 degrees per day
- Redness of eyes, tongue, or mouth
- Extreme pain in stomach
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- A bright red skin rash and the color persists or does not fade even after application of pressure
- Severe headache, neck stiffness
- Confusion, unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Intense coughing along with sputum with pus or blood
- Blisters or swelling, redness, or spots on palms or soles
- Swelling and pain in joints
Causes of viral exanthem
Viral exanthem is caused as part of an underlying viral infection like chickenpox, measles, roseola, rubella, erythema infectiosum/fifth disease, scarlet fever, staph infection, hand-foot- and-mouth disease, and infection by stomach viruses or respiratory viruses
Treatment of viral exanthem
Treatment for viral exanthem is dependent on the underlying causative ailment. Treatment is generally not needed as the skin rash tends to clear out on its own in about 10 days in most instances. In severe cases, recovery may occur in about 2 weeks.
Medical treatment for viral exanthem may include medications for alleviation of pain, fever, and itchiness. Doctors may also prescribe drugs for curing the underlying infection.
- Oral antihistamines can help find relief from excessive itching
- OTC or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs may be given for alleviation of pain, swelling, inflammation, and fever
- Topical steroids or ointments can help reduce itchiness and pain. It will also decrease inflammation and provide almost instant relief.
- Calamine lotion or anti-itch creams may be used for mild itchiness. Do not use these lotions on open sores.
- Children with viral exanthem who are younger than 18 years of age should not be given aspirin as it can result in life-threatening liver and brain damage.
Self-care measures and home remedies for viral exanthem are discussed below:
- Drink lots of water and other fluids to ensure that the body remains adequately hydrated
- Take lots of bed rest. This will help regain the strength and promote faster recovery
- Increased dryness of skin can trigger itchiness. Hence, use moisturizers to prevent dry skin
- Use non-harsh mild soaps to gently wash the skin and rash area, at least 2 times per day
- Take frequent showers in lukewarm water. This will ensure clean skin and avert aggravation of skin rash
- Perspiration can exacerbate itchiness. Hence, remain indoors in cool environments and take steps to avoid excessive sweating
- Wear loose clothes made of breathable fabrics. This will help prevent irritation of skin
- Scratching viral exanthem skin rash to alleviate itchiness can tear the skin and result in open wounds. Such wounds are then susceptible to secondary infections. Hence, avoid scratching the rash.
- Parents need to trim the fingernails of affected children. Cover the hands with socks or gloves when sleeping. Wash hands with an antiseptic soap. All these steps will help prevent skin damage by scratching and secondary bacterial infections.
- Taking a bath in lukewarm water with baking soda or oatmeal can soften the skin and reduce itching and irritation.
