Rash + Fever? It’s Not Always Measles
Your child has a fever. Then you notice a rash. With measles in the news, it’s easy to wonder: Could this be measles?
Measles can cause a fever and rash. But so can many other common childhood illnesses. The way the rash looks, where it starts, the child’s age, vaccination status/history and possible exposure can all provide important clues.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Your UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics provider can help.
What Does Measles Look Like?
Measles is a very contagious illness caused by a virus. It usually starts with symptoms that include:
- High fever.
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes.
- Often includes Koplik (white spots in the mouth).
A few days later, a rash usually appears, starting on the face near the hairline and then spreading down the body.
Measles symptoms usually begin 7 to 21 days after exposure. A person can spread measles about four days before the rash appears and for four days after – sometimes before they know they’re sick.
Think it could be measles? Call your pediatrician before coming to the office. This helps us protect other children and families from being exposed.
What Else Can Cause a Fever and Rash?
Many childhood illnesses can cause a rash, a fever or both. Here are a few common ones.
Fifth disease is a common virus in children. One of its best-known signs is a bright red rash on the cheeks. It may look like your child’s cheeks have been slapped.
Other signs may include:
- Mild fever.
- Runny nose.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- A lacy-looking rash on the arms, legs or body.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is common in young children. Despite its name, it is not related to the disease that affects farm animals.
Look for:
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Painful sores in the mouth.
- Small red spots or blisters on the hands and feet.
- Sometimes a rash on the legs or diaper area.
Chickenpox is less common today because of vaccination, but children can still get it.
Look for:
- An itchy rash that turns into small, fluid-filled blisters.
- Spots that may appear in different stages at the same time.
- Fever.
- Tiredness.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
The rash often starts on the chest, back or face and then spreads to other parts of the body.
Roseola is most common in babies and toddlers. It often starts with a sudden high fever that lasts several days.
Then something surprising can happen: As the fever goes away, a rash appears.
The rash usually:
- Starts on the chest, back or belly.
- May spread to the neck and arms.
- Is made up of small pink or red spots.
Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat.
Signs may include:
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Red rash that can feel rough, like sandpaper.
- Red or “strawberry” tongue.
- Swollen glands in the neck.
The rash often starts on the chest or belly and spreads.
A Rash Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
Many childhood rashes can look alike. And the same illness may look different from one child to another.
That's why a photo or description of a rash isn't always enough to tell what's causing it.
Your pediatrician will consider the whole picture, including your child’s fever, other symptoms, health history, vaccinations and whether your child may have been exposed to an illness. This helps them determine what may be causing your child’s symptoms, whether additional testing or evaluation is needed, and the best next steps for care.
Questions? Call us. Your UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics care team knows your child and family and is here to offer the personalized care, guidance and reassurance you need.
Think your child may have measles? Please call before coming to a CCP office or Express Care location. Our team will tell you what to do next and help prevent exposing other patients.