Causes of fever and rash

A fever reflects an immune response, while a rash may result from inflammation in the skin, a virus, bacteria, or a reaction to a medicine. Chickenpox often causes an itchy rash that appears in crops and changes over time. COVID-19 can include fever with respiratory or general viral symptoms, although a rash is not present in everyone.

Cellulitis is a skin infection that usually affects one area, with redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and spreading edges. Other infections can cause fever and widespread spots, and the pattern may be difficult to identify from appearance alone. Note when the fever and rash began, where it started, whether it blanches when pressed, and any new medicine, food, travel, or contact with illness.

Rest, drink fluids, and wear light clothing. Avoid scratching, shareable towels, and close contact if an infectious illness is possible. Take photographs to show how the rash changes, and do not apply a new cream or take antibiotics left over from another illness. A clinician may need to examine the skin, throat, breathing, hydration, and medication history before recommending treatment.

Seek emergency help for a rash that does not fade when pressed and fever with severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, breathing difficulty, collapse, or extreme drowsiness. Get prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, severe skin pain, facial swelling, blistering, peeling, or a rash after a new medicine. Infants, pregnant people, and anyone with reduced immunity should seek advice early.

Ask whether the rash pattern suggests a contagious infection, whether testing is needed, and how long to avoid school, work, or close contact. Tell the clinician about vaccinations, recent travel, sick contacts, new medicines, insect bites, and skin pain. Ask which changes mean you should return urgently.