Viral rashes in young children are common. A viral rash, also called a viral exanthem, is a rash that's caused by an infection with a virus.
Nonviral rashes may be caused by other germs, including bacteria or a fungus like mold or yeast, which can also produce diaper rash or an allergic reaction.
Rashes caused by viral infections may cause reddish or pink spots over large parts of the body, such as the chest and back. Many viral rashes don't itch.
Viral rashes are often seen on both the right and left sides of the body as opposed to one side. They also typically occur along with or shortly following other symptoms like fever, runny nose, or a cough.
Read on to learn about the types of viral rashes in babies, how to treat them, and when to seek help from a doctor.
There are many viruses that cause rashes. Some of these viruses have become less common with the widespread use of vaccinations.
Roseola, also called roseola infantum or sixth disease, is a common childhood virus that's mostly caused by the human herpesvirus 6. It's most commonly seen in children under the age of 2.
Classic symptoms of roseola are:
About 15 percent of kids with roseola will experience febrile seizures due to high fever. Febrile seizures aren't generally dangerous, but they can cause loss of consciousness or twitching movements.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a respiratory virus. Thanks to widespread vaccination, it's no longer very common in the United States. It can still occur in people who haven't been vaccinated against the virus, though.
Symptoms of measles include:
Three to five days after these symptoms appear, a rash develops. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots along the hairline. These spots can later develop raised bumps and spread down the body.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. A vaccination for the chickenpox became available in the mid-1990s, so it's no longer as common in the United States as it once was.
Before the vaccination was available, nearly all children had the disease by the time they were 9.
Symptoms of chickenpox include:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically caused by coxsackievirus A. It usually affects kids younger than 5. Adults and older kids can get it as well.
It's characterized by:
Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is caused by parvovirus B19. Early symptoms, which occur before the rash in most children, include:
Once these symptoms clear up, a rash develops. A child's cheeks may become very flushed and appear as if they were slapped. The rash can have a lacey appearance as it resolves or spreads to the arms, legs, and trunk.
Also known as German measles, rubella has been pretty much eliminated in countries with widespread vaccinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fewer than 10 cases of rubella are reported in the United States each year.
Symptoms of rubella include:
You can also have rubella without showing any symptoms. According to the CDC, up to 50 percent of people infected with rubella have no symptoms at all.
The diseases mentioned above are spread through mucus and saliva. Some can also be spread by touching the blister fluid. These conditions are highly contagious and can easily spread among babies and young children.
The length of time you're contagious varies depending on the infection. For many of these viruses, your child will be contagious a few days before the rash even develops. They'll be considered contagious for a few days afterward or until the rash disappears.
In the case of chickenpox, for example, your child will be contagious until all the blisters — and there can be several hundred of them — become crusty. A child with rubella will be most contagious from a week before the rash appears to a week after.
Most of the rashes associated with childhood viral illnesses aren't serious for your child. Sometimes, the diseases themselves can be, especially if your child is born premature or has a weakened immune system.
See your doctor if you want a definitive diagnosis of what's causing the rash, or if you want expert guidance on how to make your child feel more comfortable.
You should also see your child's doctor if:
To diagnose the rash, your baby's doctor will:
Most viral rashes go away on their own. Because they're caused by viruses, antibiotics won't help speed recovery. The best thing you can do is to keep your child comfortable. Try the following:
In some cases, you won't be able to prevent your child from being exposed to a virus. There are some things you can do to reduce their risk for exposure and infection, including:
Some viral rashes can be prevented through vaccinations.
If your child develops a viral rash, treatment usually involves managing symptoms and keeping your child comfortable until the infection runs its course. Keep them comfortable with over-the-counter pain relievers and cool baths.
The conditions that cause viral rashes are contagious, so it's also important to keep your child home from childcare facilities or other activities where they'll be around other kids until they've made a full recovery.