What should you know about glandular fever rash?

A glandular-fever rash may appear as scattered pink or red areas on the trunk and limbs. It can follow an antibiotic prescribed when the illness was mistaken for a bacterial throat infection. The rash does not prove the diagnosis on its own; viral illnesses, medicines and other skin conditions can look similar.

Note when the rash began, where it spread, whether it itches, and which medicines were taken beforehand. Share photographs if the appearance changes before review. Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, fatigue and feeling generally unwell can accompany glandular fever.

Arrange a clinical review if a new rash appears during suspected or confirmed glandular fever, especially after starting a medicine. Do not restart, stop or change a prescribed antibiotic without advice. Keep the skin cool, use gentle unperfumed products, and avoid scratching; a pharmacist can advise about itch relief that is suitable for you.

Rest, drink fluids and avoid sharing towels or close-contact items while unwell. Read more about Glandular Fever and Fever.

Call emergency services for a rash with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, breathing difficulty, faintness, or sudden collapse. Seek urgent assessment for blistering, skin peeling, painful sores in the mouth or eyes, or rapidly spreading purple marks.

Get prompt advice if the rash comes with persistent vomiting, severe weakness, confusion or inability to drink. A mild rash still merits review when its timing follows a new medicine.

Ask whether the rash could be medicine-related, whether a suspected antibiotic should be recorded as a reaction, how to relieve itching, and which symptoms should trigger urgent help.