5 types of rashes that can be a symptom of COVID-19 infection
Signs of coronavirus on the skin
Prevention is the best way to protect oneself from contagious diseases, including coronavirus. But if you happen to come in contact with the virus and develop an infection, identifying the symptoms at the earliest can help you start the treatment on time and prevent the virus from spreading to others. In case of coronavirus, the symptoms are not only limited to the respiratory system. It can be spotted on different parts of the body as well in the form of rashes, headaches, muscle pain and others. Knowing about all the usual and unusual signs can help you detect the condition clearly, particularly in asymptomatic patients.
COVID symptoms on the skin
Skin rashes are not primitive symptoms of COVID-19 like cold, cough or loss of smell and taste, but they cannot be ignored as well. As per a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, 8.8 per cent of all those who tested positive through a swab test in a study carried out on 11,544 people developed some of the other types of skin problems. Here are 5 ways your skin can appear in the case of COVID:
COVID digits
COVID digits also known as COVID toes are red and purple bumps on toes. These appear in many numbers, so they are referred to as COVID digits. Medically known as chilblains, the skin condition is more common during the colder months, but in case of COVID, it may appear in any season. Due to the bumps, the fingers and toes may appear swollen, but they do not cause irritation. With time the top skin may peel away and the sin underneath may appear scaly.
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory condition that makes the skin appear inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. The rashes are mostly itchy and can develop even in people with no previous history of this skin condition. Eczema may appear during the infection or after it and may typically last for several days. The common skin condition mostly affects the parts exposed to sunlight like the neck, chest or hands. But in case of coronavirus, the reason is not known.
Hives
Hive is a kind of rash that appears suddenly and over a few hours. They are red, itchy bumps that result from a skin reaction. The bumps vary in size and come and go from time to time when suffering from any kind of infection. Hives can be itchy and can appear in part of the body, including thighs, back and face. As per researchers, this skin condition appears quite early in the infection and can last for a long time. If the welts keep appearing for more than six weeks, the skin condition is considered chronic.
Oral rash
Oral rashes, also known as enanthem, is another sign of COVID. This kind of rash appears in the lips, making the mouth feel dry and scaly. In some cases, the lips may even feel sore. The mouth can even swell from inside leading to difficulty in eating and talking. As per a Spanish study, the sign of oral rash appears anywhere from two days before the onset of other COVID symptoms to 24 days after. However, nothing can be said with absolute certainty as every patient experiences different symptoms.
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a benign rash that usually begins as a large circular or oval spot on your chest, abdomen, or back. The circular patch known as the herald patch can be up to 4 inches wide. These kinds of patches are often triggered by a viral infection, mostly among children and young adults. The patches are widespread, minimally itchy, skin rash on the abdomen, back upper, legs and upper arms. It may appear 4-5 days after the onset of the symptoms and continue to appear for a while.