Viral Skin Rash
A virus is commonly thought of as the flu or other respiratory problem but a virus can be responsible for skin problems as well. Viral skin rash is an infection that becomes evident from skin rash or lesions. In fact the virus causing this problem may hang around the body for months or years before coming to the surface. The viral skin rash may begin from direct contact with an infected person or by a systemic infection. Shingles, the common term for herpes zoster, is a viral skin rash that starts form the chickenpox virus. A person can have the chickenpox as a child then years later as an adult have an outbreak of shingles. Chickenpox is highly contagious however the later emergence of shingles is not contagious. This viral skin rash is uncomfortable and for some people painful.
Pityriasis Rosea is a common viral skin rash that appears on the torso and upper extremities. It's round pink lesions can be mistaken for measles. The lesions are not itchy and usually clears in 6 to 12 weeks with rare recurrence. The virus suspected of causing this condition is the human herpes virus. Roseola Infantus is a common viral skin rash found in infants and children under the age of three. The rash occurs after a high fever yet the child does not seem to be sick. Once the fever breaks the pink bumps of the rash appears. This condition is contagious yet mild and clears in a few weeks. There is no specific medical treatment other than keeping the child as comfortable as possible. Once this viral skin rash clears, the child has a lifelong immunity. Common warts are actually a type of viral skin rash. Warts, also known as verruca, are benign growths on the top of the skin layer. They are harmless except for cosmetic concerns and possible discomfort of clothing rubbing on the wart. The first instance of warts typically occurs in childhood or adolescence. Warts are a viral skin rash whose origin is the human papilloma virus (HPV). More than half of all warts reduce in size or disappear within two years of occurrence. Others are removed by a dermatologist using a freezing technique or surgical removal. Most warts are seen on the hands and fingers which are unsightly and irritating. Plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet. As these warts thicken and grow inward they become painful making walking difficult. Ano-genital warts are attached to mucous membrances that extend into the vagina, cervix, rectum or uretha. Any type of genital area warts need to be examined by a physician. As you can see, a viral skin rash can be caused by various types of viruses. Some are self-limiting while others need to be examined and treated to prevent spread or further damage. With any viral skin rash, it's important to wash your hand frequently and avoid touching the face or other skin areas after making contact with the rash area. |