Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is a viral skin rash? —
This is a rash caused by a virus. It is also called a "viral exanthem." It might look like spots, blotches, or bumps.
Lots of different viruses can cause a rash. Sometimes, doctors cannot easily tell which virus was the cause.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that 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:
●Wash your hands often (figure 1), and cough or sneeze into a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands. This helps prevent spreading the virus to other people.
●Put cream or ointment on the rash, if the doctor recommended this.
●Take care washing your skin. Use cool or lukewarm, not hot, water. Use gentle cleansers instead of harsh soaps or bubble bath.
●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 call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●The rash spreads over most of your body.
●You have blisters on your skin.
●You have signs of skin infection like swelling, redness, warmth, or pain around the rash.
Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Topical corticosteroid medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: How to wash your hands (The Basics)
Patient education: Itchy skin (The Basics)
