From the Guidelines
No, typical cold viruses do not usually cause palpable rashes with raised bumps or macules. The common cold, caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, and enteroviruses, primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, nasal discharge, postnasal drip, throat clearing, sneezing, and cough, as noted in the study by 1. Skin manifestations, including palpable rashes with raised bumps or macules, are not characteristic features of the common cold syndrome.
If a rash with raised bumps or macules occurs alongside respiratory symptoms, it is more likely to be caused by a different viral infection, such as measles, rubella, roseola, or certain enteroviruses like hand, foot, and mouth disease, or it could be an allergic reaction to medication taken for cold symptoms. Some viral exanthems can initially appear similar to cold symptoms but then develop distinctive rash patterns.
Key points to consider include:
- The common cold is a syndrome caused by over 200 identified viruses, with symptoms primarily affecting the respiratory tract 1.
- Skin manifestations are not typical of the common cold.
- A rash accompanying respiratory symptoms could indicate a different viral infection or an allergic reaction.
- It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis, especially if the rash is widespread, painful, or accompanied by high fever, as this could indicate a more serious condition requiring specific treatment.
From the Research
Typical Cold Viruses and Rashes
- Typical cold viruses usually cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, but they can also cause other symptoms like fever and headache 2.
- There is limited evidence to suggest that typical cold viruses can cause palpable rashes with raised bumps or macules, as most studies focus on the respiratory symptoms of the common cold 2, 3, 4.
- However, some studies suggest that certain viral infections, such as CoVID-19, can cause dermatological changes, including maculopapular and urticarial rashes, chilblain-like and livedo reticularis discolorations, and less commonly vesicular and petechial rashes 5.
- In children, common skin rashes can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, and can present with different characteristics, such as fever, pruritus, and specific patterns of rash distribution 6.
Characteristics of Rashes Caused by Viral Infections
- Maculopapular rashes are characterized by flat, red patches on the skin, while urticarial rashes are itchy and resemble hives 5.
- Chilblain-like and livedo reticularis discolorations are characterized by a mottled, purple discoloration of the skin, often on the hands and feet 5.
- Vesicular and petechial rashes are less common and are characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters or pinpoint spots on the skin 5.
- The rash associated with roseola, a common viral infection in children, typically presents after a high fever and is characterized by a pink, maculopapular rash that starts on the trunk and spreads to the arms and legs 6.