A viral rash can be caused by an immune system overreaction or toxins released by a virus. It can vary in characteristics and may require specific treatment. Young children are prone to viral rashes, and some viruses can present a risk to health. Treatment may include steroids, topical ointments, and calamine lotion. The smallpox virus is an infamous cause of a viral rash, but it is now extinct in the wild due to a worldwide vaccination campaign.
A viral rash is a rash associated with a virus; it can be caused by an overreaction of the immune system or by toxins released by the virus. It is usually spread throughout the body and can vary in characteristics depending on the virus responsible. Some cases are self-limiting and resolve with the virus, while others may require specific treatment. A doctor can examine the patient to determine the cause and make recommendations for treating the underlying problem and addressing the rash.
Young children especially are very prone to viral rashes. Mild rashes may simply cause redness of the skin and some spots, while severe rashes may include large welts that can itch and ulcerate, ooze fluid, and expose underlying tissue. Chickenpox is a classic example of a common childhood disease that can cause a viral rash. As the patient recovers, the rash will begin to resolve, although some scarring may remain if the patient scratched the sores while the virus was active.
Measles, scarlet fever, staph and roseola infections, among others, can also cause a viral rash. Some of these conditions require more aggressive treatment because they can present a risk to the patient’s health; high fever associated with some viral infections, for example, can cause brain damage and, in some cases, can lead to coma and death if not addressed. Vaccinations are available for some dangerous viruses known to cause rashes, allowing patients to prevent infections and the annoying rashes that sometimes accompany them.
Rashes can be itchy or painful, and a viral rash may require treatment with steroids and other topical ointments to reduce inflammation and make the patient feel more comfortable. Calamine lotion preparations and similar products can also limit itching, as can bathing in baking soda or oatmeal to soften the skin and reduce irritation. If a patient begins to scratch at a rash, there is a risk of causing an infection and it may be helpful to wear long robes or gloves at night to avoid distracted scratching.
One of the most infamous causes of a viral rash is thought to be extinct in the wild. The smallpox virus is known to cause a rash throughout the patient’s body as it progresses, and the scabs from the rash can sometimes contain live viruses that can infect others. With an aggressive worldwide vaccination campaign in the 20th century, nations worked together to eradicate this killer disease, though specimens still remain in research facilities.
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