Rash - Widespread and Cause Unknown
 Chickenpox on Abdomen
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Definition
- Rash over most of the body (widespread or generalized)
- Occasionally just on hands, feet, and buttocks - but symmetrical
- Small spots, large spots, or solid red
- Cause of rash is unknown
General Information
- Three widespread rashes that individuals may be able to recognize are: hives, insect bites, and sunburn. If present, use that topic. If not, use this topic.
- An adult with fever and rash should seek medical attention immediately. A number of serious infections present in this manner.
When to call your doctor
Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
- Very weak (can't stand)
- Purple or blood-colored rash with fever
- Sudden onset of rash (within past 2 hours) and also have difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- Difficult to awaken or acting confused
- Life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis) in the past to similar substance (e.g., food, insect bite/sting, chemical, etc.) and less than 2 hours since exposure
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You feel weak or very sick
- Purple or blood-colored rash without fever
- Bright red skin that peels off in sheets
- Bright red, sunburn-like rash after either wound infection or recent surgery
- Bright red, sunburn-like rash after either tampon use or nasal packing
- Rash looks like large or small blisters (i.e., fluid-filled bubbles or sacs on the skin)
- Rash began within 4 hours of a new prescription medication
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck (unable to touch chin to chest)
- Joint pain or swelling
- Sores also present in mouth
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
- A widespread rash, but none of the symptoms described above
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR WIDESPREAD RASHES (Pending Talking With Your Doctor)
- Reassurance: There are many causes of widespread rashes and most of the time they are not serious. Common causes include viral illness (e.g., cold viruses) and allergic reactions (to a food, medicine, or environmental exposure).
- For Non-Itchy Rashes: No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes, which respond to cool baths.
- For Itchy Rashes:
- Wash the skin once with gentle non-perfumed soap to remove any irritants. Rinse the soap off thoroughly.
- You may also take an oatmeal (Aveeno) bath or take an antihistamine medication by mouth to help reduce the itching.
- Oatmeal Aveeno Bath for Itching: Sprinkle contents of one Aveeno packet under running faucet with comfortably warm water. Bathe for 15 - 20 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Pat dry with a towel - do not rub.
- Oral Antihistamine Medication for Itching: Take an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for widespread rashes that itch. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth 4 times daily.
- Do not take antihistamine medications if you have prostate enlargement.
- Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
- An over-the-counter antihistamine that causes less sleepiness is loratadine (e.g., Alavert or Claritin).
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take
- Contagiousness: Avoid contact with pregnant women until a diagnosis is made. Most viral rashes are contagious (especially if a fever is present). You can return to work or school after the rash is gone or when your doctor says it is safe to return with the rash.
- Expected Course: Most viral rashes disappear within 48 hours.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- You become worse
Author: David A. Thompson, M.D.
Last reviewed: 9/15/2011
Last revised: 4/17/2010 2:28:39 PM
