What can cause rash and sore throat

A sore throat can leave you feeling run down, hoarse, and unable to eat or speak normally. Luckily, most sore throats are caused by viruses and go away on their own.

On the other hand, strep throat is caused by bacteria and requires antibiotic treatment. At Physicians Medical Urgent Care in San Jose, California, Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead and Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde are experts in diagnosing sore throats and strep infections.

If you see any of the 5 following signs, it might be time to come to our offices for a quick in-office test. 

1. Sore throat without a runny nose, hoarseness, cough, or pink eye

Viral infections are usually behind most sore throats. Because viruses often attack multiple areas of the respiratory system, they often cause other cold and flu-like symptoms as well. 

If you have a sore throat in addition to a runny nose, hoarseness, cough, or pink eye, it’s likely to be a viral infection. We may prescribe you some medicines to help with the symptoms but viral infections usually resolve on their own with a bit of rest. 

On the other hand, if you have a sore throat without any of the above symptoms, it might be strep throat caused by the group A streptococci bacteria. 

2. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Your lymph nodes work to filter the lymphatic system which is involved in immune responses to infection. That's because your lymph nodes often get swollen and tender in response to infection. 

While there are multiple lymph nodes located throughout your body, lymph nodes usually swell up in response to local infections nearby. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck often suggest a throat infection like strep throat. 

3. Red, swollen tonsils often with white patches or streaks

Strep bacteria often attacks the tonsils as well as the throat, causing streaks or patches of pus to develop. While viral infections can sometimes cause tonsil swelling (tonsillitis), they are unlikely to cause the white streaks and patches associated with strep throat. 

4. Red spots on the roof of the mouth 

Tiny red bumps on the roof of your mouth care called petechiae and are a common symptom of a strep throat infection. These bumps are caused by small capillaries in the roof of your mouth leaking and are often caused by serious infections.

5. High fever or rash

Low fevers (less than 101℉) are sometimes associated with viral sore throats, but high fevers and rashes are almost always signs of strep infections. Left untreated, these high fevers can lead to a condition called rheumatic fever which can cause long-term damage to your body.  

Similarly, if you notice a sudden fine pink rash or a bright red throat, it might be a cause of another strep complication called scarlet fever. While scarlet fever can usually be easily treated with antibiotics, it’s important to see us immediately if you notice any of these signs. 

It’s easy to confuse viral sore throats with strep throats, but they require different treatments. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, we can confirm your strep diagnosis with a simple swab and send you home with antibiotics to clear up the infection. 

If you think you might have strep throat, call the Physicians Medical Urgent Care team at 888-265-2120 or book an appointment online to get your throat diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

— can cause a red rash that’s often accompanied by sore throat and fever. This is called scarlet fever, or scarlatina. The rash starts as flat red blotches and later turns into tiny bumps that have a rough, sandpapery feel. While the rash may show up first on the neck, underarm, or groin area, it can spread to the rest of the body. It can also appear brighter red in areas such as the elbows and underarms. In addition, scarlet fever can cause your tongue to look red and bumpy.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild infection and is treated with antibiotics. The rash typically fades in about a week, but the skin can peel for several weeks afterward.

Certain causes of sore throat, including viral pharyngitis, Strep throat, tonsillitis, and allergic reactions, can be associated with itching or burning and a skin rash or hives. Allergies in particular may be associated with itching and hives. A rash can occur along with Strep throat infection. Keep track of your symptoms, and discuss any worrisome symptoms with your doctor.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

  • What can cause rash and sore throat

    Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

    Sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. OTC remedies for a sore throat include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat.

  • What can cause rash and sore throat

    Strep Throat (GAS)

    Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat. Signs and symptoms of strep throat include headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and fever. Strep throat symptoms in infants and children are different than in adults. Strep throat is contagious and is generally passed from person-to-person. Treatment for strep throat symptoms include home remedies and OTC medication; however, the only cure for strep throat are antibiotics.

  • What can cause rash and sore throat

    Adenoids and Tonsils

    Tonsillitis is a contagious infection with symptoms of bad breath, snoring, congestion, headache, hoarseness, laryngitis, and coughing up blood. Tonsillitis can be caused acute infection of the tonsils, and several types of bacteria or viruses (for example, strep throat or mononucleosis). There are two types of tonsillitis, acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis lasts from one to two weeks while chronic tonsillitis can last from months to years. Treatment of tonsillitis and adenoids include antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies to relieve pain and inflammation, for example, salt water gargle, slippery elm throat lozenges, sipping warm beverages and eating frozen foods (ice cream, popsicles), serrapeptase, papain, and andrographism Some people with chronic tonsillitis may need surgery (tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy).

  • What can cause rash and sore throat

    Allergy Treatment Begins At Home

    Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.

At MedicineNet, we believe it is important to take charge of your health through measures such as a living healthy lifestyle, practicing preventative medicine, following a nutrition plan, and getting regular exercise. Understanding your symptoms and signs and educating yourself about health conditions are also a part of living your healthiest life. The links above will provide you with more detailed information on these medical conditions to help you inform yourself about the causes and available treatments for these conditions.

What is a strep rash look like?

The strep bacteria make a toxin (poison) that causes a bright red, bumpy rash. The rash spreads over most of the body and is what gives scarlet fever (also known as scarlatina) its name. It often looks like a bad sunburn with fine bumps that may feel rough like sandpaper, and it can itch.

Can you get a rash with a throat infection?

Strep throat typically causes a sore, scratchy throat. Some people may also develop a skin rash. Other symptoms of strep throat can include: chills.

What does viral rash look like?

The characteristics of viral rashes can vary greatly. However, most look like splotchy red spots on lighter skin or purplish spots on darker skin. These spots might come on suddenly or appear gradually over several days. They can also appear in a small section or cover multiple areas.

Is a rash A side effect of strep throat?

The bacteria that cause strep throat — group A Streptococcus — can cause a red rash that's often accompanied by sore throat and fever. This is called scarlet fever, or scarlatina. The rash starts as flat red blotches and later turns into tiny bumps that have a rough, sandpapery feel.