Fever plus rash: what to know

Viral illnesses can cause fever with spots, bumps, or widespread redness; chickenpox often produces itchy spots that change into fluid-filled blisters. A rash limited to one painful, hot, swollen area may suggest a skin infection. A new medicine, allergy, or irritation can also affect the skin. The rash’s colour on different skin tones, whether it blanches when pressed, and whether it is painful, itchy, blistering, or peeling are useful details, but appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

Take a clear photograph in good light, record the temperature and timing, and note new medicines, foods, products, sick contacts, and travel. Encourage fluids and rest. Avoid scratching, sharing towels, or applying unfamiliar creams. Keep children away from school or childcare until a clinician or local guidance confirms it is appropriate, particularly when blisters or a contagious illness may be present. Contact a clinician for advice about a new fever-and-rash combination.

Get emergency help for a rash that does not fade with pressure, purple or bruise-like spots, swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, seizure, severe headache, stiff neck, or rapidly worsening illness. Urgent assessment is also needed for painful blistering or peeling skin, eye involvement, or fever in a very young baby.

Tell the clinician when the fever and rash started, where the rash began, how it spread, whether it blanches, and whether there is itching, pain, blistering, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or joint pain. Bring the photograph and a list of recent medicines and vaccinations.