Viral Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment
Everything You Need To Know About Viral Rashes
Viral infections are illnesses caused by a virus rather than bacteria or fungi. Many viral infections, especially those that tend to affect toddlers and children, can cause skin rashes.
While they can look alarming, these rashes usually aren't a cause for concern, and they disappear once the infection clears up. Viral rashes are caused by either an immune response to the virus or damage to skin cells from the virus.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms of viral rashes, including when you should reach out to a healthcare professional.
The characteristics of viral rashes can vary greatly. However, most look like splotchy red spots on lighter skin or purplish spots on darker skin.
These spots might come on suddenly or appear gradually over several days. They can also appear in a small section or cover multiple areas. For example, a measles-related rash starts on your cheeks before eventually spreading to your torso and limbs.
Viral rashes might also feel itchy or painful to the touch. The best way to identify a viral rash is to check for any symptoms of a viral infection, such as:
Measles is a highly contagious disease among people who are not protected by a vaccine. It can be dangerous in young children and infants.
The measles rash generally starts off as a red, blotchy rash on the face. Over the course of a few days, it can spread to the torso and then the rest of the body.
The rash typically consists of flat pink or red spots that appear 3 to 5 days after infection. On darker skin, it can be flesh-colored to slightly purplish-gray, with flat to slightly raised bumps.
The rash occurs because your immune system detects the virus as it travels through your bloodstream. Immune cells then release chemicals to destroy the virus. However, these chemicals also cause skin inflammation, resulting in a rash.
Symptoms of measles infection may include:
The rubella virus, also known as German measles, typically causes mild illness in both children and adults. However, this can cause stillbirth or miscarriage and severe birth defects in developing babies.
People with rubella can pass the virus to others by sneezing and coughing as well as through their saliva. They may be contagious for a full week before they develop a rash. They'll usually continue to be contagious for another week after the rash appears.
The rash caused by German measles typically starts on the face, and within 3 days, it spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can appear red on light skin. It may be hard to see on darker skin but feel rough or bumpy to the touch.
Symptoms of German measles can include:
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is common in teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age. A rash may occur with infection, though it is not the primary symptom.
Like its nickname — the kissing disease — suggests, mono is passed through bodily fluids like saliva.
Mono can have three different types of rashes. Mono rashes can appear as:
Symptoms of mononucleosis may include:
ChickenpoxChickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, causes a rash with fluid-filled pustules. This virus is highly contagious to those who have not been vaccinated.
You can catch chickenpox by coming into contact with the saliva of a person who has the virus, such as when they sneeze or cough. You can also get the disease by touching the blisters or the liquid inside the blisters. Pregnant people can also pass chickenpox to their babies before birth.
For those who have received one or two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, milder breakthrough cases can occur, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The chickenpox rash typically has three phases:
Symptoms of chickenpox may include:
ShinglesShingles infection is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, you are at risk of developing shingles.
The risk of reactivating the virus increases with age, and 1 out of every 2 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the CDC.
You can get shingles from direct contact with blisters or the fluid inside them.
Shingles involves a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that's lying dormant in your nerves. When the virus reactivates, it travels down your nerves to your skin. As the virus spreads there, the shingles rash begins to form.
Though similar to chickenpox spots in children, the shingles rash and illness are often more severe in adults. Older adults may also be at risk for complications such as nerve pain, blindness, and neurological conditions.
People who develop shingles often note that pain occurred at the site where the rash develops. Unlike the rash caused by a chickenpox infection, a shingles rash typically occurs on one side of the body, often in a single area or stripe.
Symptoms of a shingles infection may include:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease Share on PinterestHand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious disease that's caused by the coxsackievirus. Adriaticfoto/ShutterstockHand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses in the enterovirus family. It commonly affects children under age 5, but it can affect people of any age.
It can be very contagious but does not typically cause serious illness. You can get hand, foot, and mouth disease by coming into contact with the bodily fluids of a person who has the virus. This includes:
Like its name suggests, the rash associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease often occurs on those parts of the body.
People with the virus can develop painful sores on the back of the mouth and a rash on their skin. This rash can look like flat, red to purple spots or liquid-filled blisters.
While it often appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, it can show up on other parts of the body as well. Per the CDC, this might include the:
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can include:
Fifth disease Share on PinterestFifth disease is a viral illness caused by parvovirus, which can cause a 'slapped cheek' rash. Kardelen Yang?N via WikipediaFifth disease is a viral illness that can cause a red rash on the cheeks or limbs. It is also known as slapped cheek disease.
In children, fifth disease can be mild, but it may be more severe for:
This virus spreads through bodily fluids, such as the respiratory particles in saliva and mucus, when a person with the virus coughs or sneezes. It can also be passed during pregnancy to an unborn child and by blood.
The rash caused by fifth disease more commonly appears in children, per the CDC. It may be itchy or go through periods of itchiness. Some people may develop a second rash on another part of the body a few days later.
Symptoms of fifth disease can include:
Roseola Share on PinterestRoseola is a common viral illness in small children. It causes a rash that usually occurs after a fever. Phadungsak sawasdee/ShutterstockRoseola, also known as sixth disease, is a contagious illness that typically affects children 6 months to 2 years old. The virus enters the body through the nose and mouth from the respiratory droplets of a person with the virus.
Children with roseola often experience a rash after symptoms of high fever and mild respiratory illness.
The rash caused by roseola tends to first appear on the trunk of the body before spreading to the arms and legs.
The spots can appear pink or slightly darker tones, depending on the color of the child's skin. When touched, the spots may become lighter in color, a sign that the small capillaries are dilated. On darker skin, this may be harder to see.
The rash often appears as the fever decreases.
Symptoms of roseola include:
The West Nile virus is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can affect people of all ages.
Many people who have this virus don't develop any symptoms of the disease. But 1 in 5 people may develop a fever that occurs with other symptoms, including a rash.
The West Nile virus can cause a maculopapular rash, with both flat discolored spots and raised bumps. It tends to appear on the trunk and limbs 5 days after other symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, begin.
Symptoms of the West Nile virus include:
Some people with the West Nile virus develop a serious and sometimes fatal illness that affects the central nervous system. Severe symptoms may include:
The Zika virus is mostly spread by Aedes mosquitos that have the virus. A person who contracts the virus while pregnant can also pass the virus to their child, which may cause birth defects.
The Zika virus rash often appears as red spots and blotches that start on the face. It then spreads to the torso and limbs, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
According to a 2020 study, itchiness also tends to occur with an infection.
Symptoms of Zika infection may include:
Dengue feverDengue fever is a disease transmitted by an infected mosquito. It can cause either mild or severe illness.
Rash may occur in two phases of the disease. It can first appear as facial flushing that feels warm to the touch. A second rash can also occur 3 days to 1 week following the fever.
This rash has flat pinkish or red spots that can merge together. There may be circular areas where the skin is clear and central pinpoint spots that bleed, often called white islands in a sea of red.
Symptoms of dengue fever can include:
Warning signs of severe dengue usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the fever has gone down and can include:
What To Know About Infections
How an infection spreads and its effects on the human body depend on the type of pathogen.
The immune system is an effective barrier against infectious agents. However, pathogens may sometimes overwhelm the immune system's ability to fight them off. At this stage, an infection becomes harmful.
Some pathogens have little effect at all. Others produce toxins or inflammatory substances that trigger negative responses from the body. This variation means that some infections are mild and barely noticeable, while others can be severe and life threatening. Some pathogens are resistant to treatment.
Infection can spread in a variety of ways.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are different types of pathogens. They vary in several ways, including:
For example, viruses are smaller than bacteria. They enter a host and take over cells, whereas bacteria can survive without a host.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection. This article will focus on the most common and deadly types of infection: bacterial, viral, fungal, and prion.
Viral infectionsViral infections occur due to infection with a virus. Millions of different viruses may exist, but researchers have only identified about 5,000 types to date. Viruses contain a small piece of genetic code, and a coat of protein and lipid (fat) molecules protects them.
Viruses invade a host and attach themselves to a cell. As they enter the cell, they release their genetic material. This material forces the cell to replicate the virus, and the virus multiplies. When the cell dies, it releases new viruses, which infect new cells.
Not all viruses destroy their host cell, however. Some of them change the function of the cell. Some viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can lead to cancer by forcing cells to replicate in an uncontrolled way.
A virus can also target certain age groups, such as infants or young children.
Viruses may remain dormant for a period before multiplying again. The person with the virus can appear to have fully recovered, but they may get sick again when the virus reactivates.
Viral infections include:
Other viral conditions include:
Antiviral medications can help relieve the symptoms of some viruses while the disease passes. They can either prevent the virus from reproducing or boost the host's immune system to counter the effects of the virus.
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. These drugs will not stop the virus, and their use increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Most treatment aims to relieve symptoms while the immune system combats the virus without assistance from medication.
Bacterial infectionsBacteria are single-celled microorganisms, also known as prokaryotes.
Experts estimate that there are at least 1 nonillion bacteria on Earth. A nonillion is a 1 followed by 30 zeros. Much of the Earth's biomass comprises bacteria.
Bacteria take three main shapes:
Bacteria can live in almost any type of environment, from extreme heat to intense cold, and some can even survive in radioactive waste.
There are trillions of strains of bacteria, and few cause diseases in humans. Some of them live inside the human body, such as in the gut or airways, without causing harm.
Some "good" bacteria attack "bad" bacteria and prevent them from causing sickness. However, some bacterial diseases can be deadly.
These include:
Some examples of bacterial infections are:
A doctor can treat bacterial infections with antibiotics. However, some strains become resistant and can survive the treatment.
Fungal infectionsA fungus is often a multicellular parasite that can decompose and absorb organic matter using an enzyme. However, some types, such as yeasts, are single celled.
Fungi almost always reproduce by spreading single celled spores. The structure of a fungus is usually long and cylindrical, with small filaments branching from the main body.
There are approximately 5.1 million species of fungus.
Many fungal infections develop in the upper layers of the skin, and some progress to the deeper layers. Inhaled yeast or mold spores can sometimes lead to fungal infections, such as pneumonia, or infections throughout the body. These are also known as systemic infections.
The body usually has a population of good bacteria that help maintain the balance of microorganisms. These line the intestines, mouth, vagina, and other parts of the body.
Those with a higher risk of developing a fungal infection include people who:
Examples of fungal infections are:
A rash may indicate a fungal infection of the skin.
Prion diseaseA prion is a protein that contains no genetic material and is usually harmless. Scientists do not class prions as living microorganisms. However, if a prion folds into an abnormal shape, it can become a rogue agent and cause infection.
Prions can affect the structure of the brain or other parts of the nervous system. They do not replicate or feed on the host. Instead, they trigger abnormal behavior in the body's cells and proteins.
Prions cause degenerative brain diseases, all of which are rare but progress rapidly and are currently fatal. They include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which people typically refer to as mad cow disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
Researchers have also linked some cases of Alzheimer's disease to prion infection.
Other infectionsWhile the forms of infection that we have listed above are the main types, there are others that can have an effect on the body.
A single celled organism with a nucleus can cause a protozoan infection. Protozoa commonly show features similar to those of animals, such as mobility, and they can survive outside the human body.
They most commonly transfer to other humans through feces. Amebic dysentery is an example of a protozoan infection.
Helminths are larger, multicellular organisms that tend to be visible to the naked eye when fully grown. This type of parasite includes flatworms and roundworms. These can also cause infection.
Finally, ectoparasites — including mites, ticks, lice, and fleas — can cause infection by attaching or burrowing into the skin. Ectoparasites can also include blood-sucking arthropods, such as mosquitoes, which transmit infection by consuming human blood.
The symptoms of an infection depend on the organism responsible, as well as the site of the infection.
Viruses target specific cells, such as those in the genitals or upper respiratory tract. The rabies virus, for example, targets the nervous system. Some viruses target skin cells, causing warts.
Others target a wider range of cells, leading to several symptoms. A flu virus can cause a runny nose, muscle aches, and an upset stomach.
A person with a bacterial infection will often experience redness, heat, swelling, fever, and pain at the site of infection, as well as swollen lymph glands.
A rash can indicate a fungal infection of the skin. However, viruses and bacteria may also cause skin conditions and rashes.
Common symptoms of prion diseases include rapid onset of brain damage, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties. They can also trigger the buildup of plaque in the brain, causing this organ to waste away.
What Is The Link Between Pollen And Eye Infections?
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We're well and truly into hay fever season.
With various bank holidays coming up and the weather starting to improve, we're likely going to be spending more time outside – which could further aggravate hay fever symptoms.
Anyone who suffers when the pollen count is high will be familiar with the irritating feeling of itchy eyes.
But what is the link between pollen, hay fever and eye infections?
What's the link between pollen and eye infections?
"Allergens such as pollen can cause the dilation of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (membrane or skin covering the eye ball)," explains pharmacist Sultan Dajani from GoldenEye.
"The resulting reddening of the eye is called allergic conjunctivitis and is accompanied by itching, soreness and tearing."
This "causes the eyes to discharge white sticky mucus, whereas a viral infection results in a clear liquid discharge and a bacterial infection sometimes causes green sticky mucus", Dajani explains.
"Any case of so-called red eye from whatever cause can become more seriously affected, for example with a bacterial infection such as blepharitis or a stye."
And Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson adds: "People experiencing allergic conjunctivitis may also be more likely to rub their eyes, risking the spread of bacteria from their hands and causing potential infection, also known as bacterial conjunctivitis, of the eye or eyes."
How serious is allergic conjunctivitis?
"Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and makes them red and watery, but it is not contagious," Nevinson says.
"Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis due to hay fever tend to last a few weeks or months when the pollen count is higher, and may vary with the pollen count."
If your eyes start to produce sticky pus or feel gritty, Nevinson suggests these could be "symptoms of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, and this is usually contagious".
She adds: "If you develop symptoms of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis you should consult your GP or visit your local pharmacist for advice and treatment, if required and suitable for you."
How can allergic conjunctivitis be treated?
"Hay fever relief products, including eye drops, usually help to ease symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis," advises Nevinson.
Dajani recommends products that include propamidine isethionate, as it's "an antiseptic that stops bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection and hence prevents the eye infection from getting worse".
He also recommends resisting the temptation of rubbing your eyes "as it will make them more sore". And Nevinson says: "You can also try holding a cold flannel on your closed eyes for a few minutes to cool them down which can provide some relief. If your eyes are inflamed, it's best to avoid wearing contact lenses."
Is there any way of minimising the risk of infection?
Yes, with Dajani advising: "Reduce your exposure to pollen by keeping your eyes clean. Wash and clean them thoroughly before going to bed. Keep windows including car windows shut as much as possible.
"Don't touch your eyes. If we touch our eyes, we leave them open to the possibilities of further eye problems or infections. Our hands come into contact with most things, from people to surfaces, making it easy to transfer bacteria and germs to our faces – and if we are reaching for our eyes, it's easy for a simple rubbing of the eyes to develop into something else."
Nevinson also recommends wearing wraparound glasses "to help prevent pollen getting into your eyes", and adds: "Be sure to monitor the Met Office forecast for pollen count each day."
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