Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a skin rash. The doctors think your rash is caused by a virus. This is called a "viral exanthem."
Lots of different viruses can cause a rash. The doctors might not know exactly which one you have. Viral rashes can easily spread from person to person.
Viral skin rashes can last from a few days to a few weeks.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Wash your hands often with soap and water. This helps prevent spreading the infection.
●Put cream or ointment on your rash, if the doctor recommended this.
●Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
●Take care washing your skin. Use cool or lukewarm, not hot, water. Use gentle cleansers instead of harsh soaps or bubble bath. Pat yourself dry with a clean towel.
●Use a cool compress on your skin, if it feels good. Dip a washcloth in cold water, and hold it to your skin.
●Avoid scratching your skin. It might help to:
•Wear cotton gloves at night.
•Keep your nails short and clean.
•Cover the parts of your skin that itch.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Are having so much trouble breathing you can only say 1 or 2 words at a time
•Need to sit upright to breathe
●Return to the ED if:
•The rash spreads over most of your body.
•You have trouble breathing when talking or sitting still.
•You have trouble swallowing.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Blisters on your skin
●Signs of skin infection like swelling, redness, warmth, or pain around the rash
●New or worsening symptoms
Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Topical corticosteroid medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Itchy skin (The Basics)
Patient education: How to wash your hands (The Basics)
