Rashes that occur with a fever are most often caused by a viral infection but sometimes they can be caused by a serious bacterial infection such as meningitis which requires urgent medical attention. Manage the pain and fever with over-the-counter medicines whilst you secure a doctor's appointment.

We've explored some of the possible causes of fever with a rash in more detail below



This is an infectious disease caused by the Herpes zoster virus. Fortunately it normally presents as a mild disease in children where children feel unwell for only the first few days. Chickenpox brings on a rash made up of clusters of small blisters.

It's important to keep your child's fingernails short so as to discourage scratching which can lead to scarring. You can also relieve the itch by applying calamine lotion. To bring down your child's temperature, remove your child's outer clothes, keep him quiet in a cool room and ensure that he or she keeps hydrated. Paracetamol or ibuprofen, appropriate for your child's age, can help manage the fever too. This is a potentially dangerous viral infection that mainly affects children but can occur at any age. Sign of the virus includes a pinky-red blotchy rash, red eyes, runny nose and or dry cough with fever. German measles or Rubella is a viral infection that is serious only to non immune women in the early months of pregnancy. Signs of the virus include a flat pink blotchy rash that appears mainly on the face and trunk, swollen glands in the neck and a mild fever.

Make an appointment for your child to see your doctor particularly if your child is likely to come into contact with a pregnant woman. Roseola infantum is a condition that occurs commonly in early childhood (under 2 years of age). This condition is difficult to diagnose as the only symptom that is experienced before the rash appears is fever. By the time the rash appears the child is normally better. A high fever is normally experienced 3 to 4 days before the rash appears.