Scared woken up with this rash all over me

[Polkadotshort]

I’ve been unwell since Sunday with flu like symptoms - fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. I had hives on Wednesday which seemed to go away with anti histamine. Then this morning I’ve woken up covered apart from my face in this rash as I’ve attached the photo. The skin on my stomach is the worst.
My hands are sore and stiff as well. What the hell is going on? My fever has gone now. I’m going to call the GP surgery as soon as it opens but I’m really scared as I’ve never had anything like this.

The only place not effected is my face.

Take antihistamine. It’s not a meningitis type rash. Everyone else us covered it with their suggestions.

I had hives the other morning - that’s what is weird, but they were little itchy lumps. Took antihistamines and they went away
I’ve never been allergic to anything in my life and all this has come on after flu like symptoms for 3 days, I have no idea what’s going on!

Asked my DH to stay off work with me today as I’m so anxious but he won’t, said I’m a grown up and have to manage things by myself 😓my family don’t live nearby so I feel very alone now.

It’s starting to feel really itchy and when I scratch it, it feels worse and sort of burns as well as itches 😩

This is your anxiety taking over. It’s a standard post viral rash - you’ve had a virus and your body’s reaction to fighting that has gone into overdrive and resulted in a rash. There’s no risk of anything. Have a bath, take antihistamines and don’t worry about it. If you really want reassurance then pop to a pharmacy for advice/creams.

I'd call the GP OP, and get proper advice. I had that a few years ago and did get more ill after the rash came out, didn't feel to bad up until then, it turned out to be scarlet fever.

I’m on hold to GP at the moment. In a queue of other people.

Try not to scratch, use a cold wet cloth instead to soothe the itch. I have had similar post viral rashes and scratching always make it so much worse

Don't scratch! Take antihistamines.

Always do that at the first sign. Why suffer when you can help?

It's not uncommon to get urticaria (hives) in response to a virus, not as an allergy, just a bit of harmless immune system weirdness. If it's that, antihistamines will help, and also avoid scratching and try cold compresses. Do ring your GP if you continue to be concerned though.

Take the antihistamines, have a cool shower, don’t wear anything tight or itchy (like wool), try not to get too hot. My DC and I have both had a similar looking, similar sounding rash over the last week but no other symptoms. It was really weird but we’ve both been fine and it’s gone now, lasted approx 4 days.

Don't scratch it!!!
@Ineedanewsofa gives good advice.

I thought the hives were what I had the other day (itchy little welts) this is like a red lacy rash all over and feels like it’s itchy / burning sensation.

I have met an adult with scarlet fever recently. Get it checked.

Parvovirus or slapped cheek as @Wonkywinky says. Especially with the sore joints.

They'll do a test to confirm.

Got to be honest, can't really tell much from your photos (might just be my dodgy eyesight). If it's hives, the suggestions on the thread will help. But it's always possible it's something else and you're on hold to your GP so hopefully you'll have some medical advice in not too long.

Op I had exactly the same rash this week. I felt a bit unwell last Thurs and Fri, like having a fever.

On Monday I woke up with arms and body covered with this kind rash. I have never had anything similar but I suspected it was viral after the fever. The next day it sprayed to my whole body, arms, legs and even face. On day 3 it looked a lot better and now its all gone.

GP has told me to go to the pharmacy !

Pic of rash on my chest - it’s like this all over although looks worse on my stomach area

I can’t really see anything. What techniques do you use when your health anxiety kicks off?

Looks exactly the same as mine. I tried to google but couldnt find similar rash. It was very evenly covered, no raised bumps. I had a very slight bunning/hot sensation but that could be my imagination. I would wait fpr a couple of days and see if it gets better, mine went away within 3 days.

Keep taking anti histamines and have cool showers, rest and lots of fluids. Looks and sounds like post viral rash. Even if it's slapped cheek there's nothing to be done but wait it out. If symptoms change then seen further advice.

I’m going to go to the pharmacy as advised by the GP.

Normally with health anxiety I seek reassurance, that’s my only real coping strategy at the moment.

Measles usually starts on the face and spreads inwards though.

Looks like a general post viral rash. RSV maybe.

Possibly scarlet fever - is it rough/bumpy?

That’s not a coping mechanism though. It feeds the anxiety. What strategies have you been given?