What should you know about a full body rash after fever?

A rash can appear as the fever settles during an infection, including illnesses such as a common cold, COVID-19, chickenpox or other viral conditions. Red, warm, tender skin in one area may point towards cellulitis rather than a simple post-viral rash. Cough, wheezing, a barking cough, vomiting, joint pain or recent travel can change the assessment. A clinician will ask when the fever and rash began, whether the rash blanches when pressed, and whether new medicines or products were used.

Take a photograph in good light and note changes in colour, spread and texture. Rest, drink fluids and avoid scratching; use gentle, fragrance-free skin care. Do not share towels or close-contact items while an infectious rash is possible, especially if there are fluid-filled spots. Avoid applying a new cream or taking antibiotics without clinical advice.

Seek urgent care for a rash that does not fade when pressed, purple or blistering skin, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, marked drowsiness or a rapidly worsening illness. Get prompt advice for a child, pregnant person or person with reduced immunity who develops fever with a widespread rash.

Ask whether the rash could be infectious, whether testing is needed, how to protect household members, and which skin products or medicines are suitable.