Rashes caused by Viruses

Viral infections are common in babies and children and often cause a minor rash of skin. These rashes are usually harmless and will go away on their own.

Different viruses can cause different rashes, and sometimes different viruses can cause rashes that look the same.

Although some viruses cause a distinctive rash, it is often difficult to tell exactly which virus is causing the rash. In nearly all cases, it is not important to know which virus is causing the rash.

Some examples of viruses that cause a distinctive rash are:

-Hand foot and mouth disease

-Roseola infantum

-Hives

-Slapped cheek

Some viral infections can cause problems in early pregnancy. If you are pregnant and your child has a rash and you are concerned, you should see your local doctor or obstetrician for advice.

Rash appearance (signs and symptoms)

Rashes can have different appearances – red flat areas, raised bumps, blisters, welts or any combination of these. It is common for the rash to spread to most or all of the body before it goes away. The rash may last from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

Ways to avoid spreading viral infections

Viruses are spread by direct contact. The best way to prevent spreading viruses is to wash hands after touching any bodily fluid and avoid sharing items like cutlery, drinking cups, towels, toothbrushes and clothing.

What should I expect / look out for?

Often the viral infection causing the rash will also cause a fever. The fever may happen at the start of the illness, before the rash appears, or at the same time as the rash appearing.

If your child has a fever and has a rash of small bright red or purple spots or bruises which do not turn white (blanch) when you push on them, you should seek emergency medical care. See the Kids Health Info factsheet: Meningococcal infection.

Ways to avoid spreading viral infections

Viruses are spread by direct contact. The best way to prevent spreading viruses is to wash hands after touching any bodily fluid and avoid sharing items like cutlery, drinking cups, towels, toothbrushes and clothing.

What should I expect / look out for?

Often the viral infection causing the rash will also cause a fever. The fever may happen at the start of the illness, before the rash appears, or at the same time as the rash appearing.

If your child has a fever and has a rash of small bright red or purple spots or bruises which do not turn white (blanch) when you push on them, you should seek emergency medical care. See the Kids Health Info factsheet: Meningococcal infection.

Could it be measles?

Measles is a viral infection that causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash which appears about two to three days after the initial symptoms. The measles rash is red, blotchy, starts on the head and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for young children and babies. Measles is very contagious and is spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can be spread by just being in the same room as someone with measles. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against measles – if your child has had two MMR vaccinations the chance of them contracting measles is very low.

If you are concerned your child has measles, you should see your family doctor. Ask if your doctor can visit your child at home, or tell the receptionist as soon as you arrive, to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Key points to remember

-Rashes caused by viruses are very common in children and babies.

-Most viral rashes are harmless and will go away on their own.

-If your child has a fever and a rash that does not turn white when pushed (blanch), or is very unwell, seek emergency care.

More information

Kids Health Info factsheet: Hand foot and mouth disease - coxsackie virus

Kids Health Info factsheet: Roseola infantum

Kids Health Info factsheet: Hives

Kids Health Info factsheet: Slapped cheek or Fifth syndrome

Kids Health Info factsheet: Meningococcal infection

Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Your local GP or the Kids Health Info factsheet: GPs - find and choose a family doctor

RCH > Kids Health Info > Rashes caused by viruses

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