Viral Rash: How to Care for Your Child

Sometimes when kids have an infection from a virus (usually a cold or a stomach virus), they also can get a viral rash (a rash caused by a virus). You can help your child feel comfortable until the rash goes away.

• Give medicine for fever or pain such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand) or acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand). Follow the directions that come with the medicine for how much to give and how often to give it.

• Do not give your child or teen aspirin as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

• If the doctor recommended medicines or lotions for itching, give or apply them as directed.

• Viral infections are contagious, so family members should wash their hands often to prevent the spread of germs.

Your child:

• is feeling worse or getting sicker

• gets a new fever or a fever that's very high

• has a fever that lasts more than 2 days after the office visit

What do viral rashes look like? Viral rashes can look red and flat, raised, or bumpy. Some viral rashes have blisters. The rash can cover large parts of the body or just be in one or a few areas. Many different viruses can cause viral rashes that look similar. The doctor might not be able to tell the exact virus causing a rash. This is OK because treatment is the same.

What are the symptoms of a viral rash? A viral rash may be itchy, but usually it's not painful. A child with a viral rash also may have signs of a viral illness, such as fever, cold symptoms, headache, diarrhea, a sore throat, or body aches.

How long does a viral rash last? Viral rashes usually take a few days to a couple of weeks to clear up.