Sore throats and rashes can be caused by various viral and bacterial infections, some of which can be serious. Coxsackievirus, measles, fifth disease, and mononucleosis are common viral causes, while STDs and strep bacteria are common bacterial causes. Scarlet fever and diphtheria are other bacterial diseases that can cause these symptoms. Allergic reactions and complications from HIV, West Nile virus, Ebola virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are less common causes. It is important to see a doctor if experiencing these symptoms.
There are a number of common causes of sore throats and rashes. Some of these are very serious and some are minor. Due to the potential severity of some of the conditions that can cause a sore throat and rash, the occurrence of these two symptoms together is usually an indication to see a doctor.
Many of the conditions that cause sore throats and rashes are viral in origin. The viruses that cause foot and mouth disease, measles, fifth disease, and mononucleosis can all have these two symptoms. Foot and mouth disease is also called coxsackievirus and most often affects younger children. The rash looks like blisters and is usually limited to the hands, bottoms of the feet, and the back. Blisters can also occur inside the mouth and create a painful sore throat. Unlike other illnesses that cause sore throats and rashes, coxsackie virus often doesn’t need much treatment, unless you’re experiencing a high fever or infection.
Conversely, measles can be a very serious disease that can be almost completely prevented by vaccination. In developed countries, the movement towards not vaccinating children has led to more measles cases with occasionally devastating complications. The rash associated with measles can have flat areas and also small pustules on the skin. As the condition progresses, the two rashes usually connect together. Other symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore eyes and body aches.
Another potentially serious disease is fifth disease. This is a common ailment in childhood and usually poses little danger to children. The rash associated with this disease often first appears on the face. It then shows up on the arms and legs. The main danger of fifth disease occurs when pregnant women get it. It can cause birth defects, miscarriage or stillbirth.
Mononucleosis rounds out the top four viral causes of sore throats and skin rashes. The sore throat is prominent, the rash may occur on the neck, face or chest, and these symptoms may be accompanied by a sense of fatigue and a low-grade fever. Mono is usually not complicated, but it can continue to cause symptoms for several weeks to several months.
There are many bacterial causes of sore throats and rashes. STDs such as syphilis cause these symptoms. Strep bacteria are certainly also a common cause of skin rashes and sore throats.
When people develop a sandpaper-like rash with a sore throat, they essentially have scarlet fever and might also have a high fever, body aches, and abdominal discomfort. Diphtheria is another bacterial disease that can cause sore throats and rashes. In the vaccinated person, this disease is usually not a risk.
Additional causes of a sore throat and rash can include complications from HIV, West Nile virus, Ebola virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SAR). Some people have allergic reactions to natural or chemical substances which will create simultaneous reactions in the sinuses, throat and on the skin. These causes tend to be much less common.
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