What causes cough, low-grade fever, and small red spots on the body, and what should be done?
Dec 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Cough, low-grade fever, and small red spots on the body may be caused by environmental irritants, clothing friction, viral rash, allergic dermatitis, bronchitis accompanied by eczema, etc. Symptoms can be improved by avoiding the triggering environment, changing clothes, or medication. If symptoms worsen or the red spots spread, prompt medical attention is necessary. Exposure to irritating substances such as pollen or dust mites may trigger respiratory
Cough, low-grade fever, and small red spots on the body may result from environmental irritants, clothing friction, viral rash, allergic dermatitis, bronchitis with eczema, etc. Symptoms can be improved by avoiding the triggering environment, changing clothes, or medication. If symptoms worsen or the red spots spread, seek medical attention promptly.
1. Environmental irritation: Exposure to irritating substances such as pollen or dust mites may trigger respiratory reactions and mild skin allergies, leading to cough, low-grade fever, and scattered red spots. It is recommended to immediately leave the irritating environment, open windows for ventilation, and clean the skin with lukewarm water.
2. Clothing friction: Wearing tight or coarse-textured clothing can cause repeated skin friction, resulting in red spots, while body chilling may induce cough and low-grade fever. It is advised to switch to loose, breathable cotton clothing and maintain warmth to prevent chilling.
3. Viral rash: Viral infection of the body can cause respiratory symptoms, while the virus also stimulates the skin to produce small red spots. These spots typically do not itch significantly and are accompanied by cough and low-grade fever. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as ribavirin granules, acetaminophen suspension, or Pudilan Xiaoyan oral liquid to alleviate symptoms.
4. Allergic dermatitis: Skin inflammatory reactions occur after exposure to allergens, which may simultaneously trigger respiratory discomfort, manifesting as red spots, itching, cough, and low-grade fever. It is recommended to use medications such as loratadine syrup, calamine lotion, or cetirizine drops under medical supervision to relieve symptoms.
5. Bronchitis with eczema: Bronchial infection leads to cough and low-grade fever, while immune system dysregulation triggers eczema, causing skin redness, papules, and itching. Patients may follow medical advice to use ambroxol and clenbuterol oral solution, cefaclor dry suspension, or desonide cream to improve symptoms.
Maintain clean and dry skin, avoid scratching the red spots, eat light and easily digestible food, drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated, ensure adequate rest, minimize outings to prevent cross-infection, and support recovery.
