8 Types of Rashes That Can Be a Sign of COVID-19

In the beginning days of the pandemic, there was focus on three main signs of COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. But as experts began to better understand the disease, it became clear that there are many health changes that could indicate someone has the virus—new loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, and headache just to name a few. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists more than 10 symptoms that may signal a COVID-19 infection. The list is not exhaustive, though, and the CDC says it will continue to update the list as they learn more about the disease.

One such potential sign of COVID-19 that isn't included on the list is skin rashes.

According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, there is significant association between skin rashes and a positive COVID-19 swab test result. Researchers made that determination by looking at information from 336,847 people in the UK who had uploaded their health history, including any COVID-19 test results and symptoms, to the COVID Symptom Study app. The app data showed that, among those who had a positive swab test result, 8.8% also reported skin rashes.

To better understand the length and timing of these skin symptoms, the researchers then looked at the results of an independent survey on skin symptoms related to COVID-19 that 11,544 people had completed.

The skin changes appeared at the same time as other COVID‐19 symptoms for 47% of the survey respondents and after other COVID-19 symptoms for 35% of the survey respondents. But what the researchers found to be most striking was that 17% of the respondents said that their the skin changes happened before any other COVID-19 symptoms. And 21% of the people said that their rash was the only symptom of COVID-19 they experienced.

The researcher say that their "study strongly supports the inclusion of skin rashes in the list of suspicious COVID‐19 symptoms." And while rashes might be less common than other signs of COVID-19, the study authors point out that skin changes can be easily recognized, which may help with virus detection and contact tracing.

To help people identify what a COVID-19 rash might look like, and using the pictures that the survey respondents had submitted, the researchers worked with the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) to create a catalogue of images of the most common skin manifestations of COVID‐19. The rash pictures are divided into these main categories:

COVID digits

According to the BAD, since they don't really look like any other skin condition, COVID toes and fingers—aka digits—might be the most telltale COVID rash.

Technically known as chilblains, the condition is typically seen more during the colder months, so when dermatologists started seeing more cases of the condition in warmer months, at the start of the pandemic, many took note, and the link with COVID-19 was eventually made.

"The rash appears as reddish and purplish bumps on the fingers or toes and can affect many digits," per the BAD. "The fingers and toes are usually sore, but not itchy." As the rash heals, the top layers of skin may peel away from where the purplish bumps were, leaving scaly patches.

Dermatologist Veronique Bataille, MD, PhD, and researcher Mario Falchi, PhD—two of the study's lead authors whose work helped build the image catalogue—tell Health that COVID digits can happen months after the original infection and are more common in young people who may have been asymptomatic.

Neck & exposed chest eczema

This rash appears on the neck and on the part of the chest that is exposed to sunlight. Usually, the rash is pink and itchy. It can appear at any time during or after the infection and typically lasts for an extended period of time. And according to Dr. Bataille, a patient doesn't have to have a history of eczema for this type of rash to develop. In fact, most patients included in the survey had no history of skin conditions.

Oral rash

With this rash, a person's lips may feel sore. As the rash subsides, the lips can become dry and scaly. The BAD reports that soreness inside the mouth can also occur.

Papular & vesicular rashes

These rashes occur around papular lesions (solid, raised bumps) or vesicles (bumps filled with fluid). A rash like this can pop up anywhere on the body, but it usually develops on the elbows and knees, as well as on the back of the hands and feet. Heat rashes, for example, are a type of vesicular rash.

Sometimes, papular and vesicular rashes aren't so easily identifiable. "In some cases, it is only tiny bumps all over the skin, and the signs may be more subtle," per the BAD. In general, the rashes are usually "very itchy." In COVID-19 patients, papular and vesicular rashes can last long after the contagious stage is over and may also appear many weeks after the onset of the infection.

Pityriasis rosea

According to the Mayo clinic, pityriasis rosea is a rash that usually begins as a large circular or oval spot on your chest, abdomen, or back. Called a "herald patch," this spot can be up to 4 inches wide. "The herald patch is typically followed by smaller spots that sweep out from the middle of your body in a shape that resembles drooping pine-tree branches," the Mayo Clinic reports. The BAD says the rash can last several months before clearing.

Purpuric or vasculitic rashes

Purpura is a term used to describe the purplish discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding into the skin. So "purpuric" is the adjective used to describe this type of rash. "Vasculitic" has to do with blood vessels. These rashes show as multiple deep red or purplish spots and can cause bruise-like patches. According to the BAD, "these spots and patches are caused by damage in the superficial tiny blood vessels with bleeding into the skin."

Urticarial rash

Hives—aka urticaria—can also be a sign of COVID-19. This rash appears suddenly and, over the hours, quickly comes and goes. Usually, the hives are "intensely itchy." Any part of the body can be affected, including the face. "Urticarial rashes can present quite early in the infection but can also last a long time later when the affected person is no longer contagious," the BAD reports.

Viral exanthem

As Connecticut-based dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, previously told Health, "it's not unique that a virus would give you a skin rash." In fact, viral exanthem (exanthem meaning widespread) is a common rash seen on patients with viral infections. It is a symmetrical rash with numerous reddish blotches or bumps over the body. And, according to the BAD, it usually goes hand-in-hand with other symptoms of a viral illness, such as fever and cough.

And while COVID-19 isn't the only viral infection to affect the skin, Dr. Bataille and Falchi do say that, compared to other viral infections, the rashes with COVID-19 seem to be more common and more diverse. 

Though not specifically included as a main category in the BAD's image catalogue, livedo reticularis has also been identified as a possible sign of COVID-19. "Livedo" refers to the skin's discoloration, and "reticularis" refers to the rash's netlike pattern. It looks like this:

Usually, this type of rash is one that lasts a long time—sometimes, it's even permanent. But as previously reported, dermatologists are seeing transient livedo reticularis in patients with COVID-19, meaning the rash comes and goes. The rash presents itself as tiny purple, red, or brown spots that one may mistake for bruising under the skin.

According to Dr. Bataille and Falchi, the rashes that may be associated with COVID-19 have no long-term effects, with most clearing up. "However, for some, the rashes are quite recurrent and can come and go for weeks and months. Some of the rashes can be very itchy and affect sleep, so there may be a need a prescription from a doctor," they say.

People who think they're having skin symptoms of COVID-19 should wear a mask, quarantine if they are otherwise well, and arrange a telehealth appointment with their health care provider to address their symptoms, according to a dermatologist.

"Your dermatologist can help you with your skin by suggesting treatments for any painful lesions, but stay safe and call them or arrange a visit virtually," she tells Health. "If you have other symptoms like respiratory issues or extensive skin lesions, you need to be triaged either virtually or in person. You should also get tested [for COVID]." 

The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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13 Reasons You Have Scaly Skin—and How to Get Rid of It

If your skin is dry, rough, and scaly, psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot, or other skin conditions could be to blame. Our guide to the many causes of scaly skin will help you pinpoint your problem–and identify the steps you can take to fix it.

Why you have dry, itchy, scaly skin

Feel like you’re alone in dealing with the autoimmune disorder? We promise you’re not. In this video, we’re spotlighting nine super famous celebs who openly struggle with psoriasis too.

Psoriasis

If you develop raised red patches with a silvery-white coating over your knees, elbows, lower back, or scalp, you probably have plaque psoriasis. It’s the most common form of psoriasis, a chronic disease that seriously speeds the process by which skin cells mature and reach the skin’s surface. Because the rate at which old cells are shed remains unchanged, the new cells stack up and become thickened patches covered by the dead, flaking skin.

The precise cause of psoriasis isn’t known. “Something is happening at the level of the T-cell, one of the immune cells in our body, that signals the skin to overproduce,” explains Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Heredity is definitely a factor—about one-third of sufferers have a close family member who’s also affected, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis can begin at any age—“You can come out of the womb with it or develop it late in life,” says Dr. Gohara—but most people get it between ages 15 and 30. Three-quarters of people who are going to develop psoriasis have it by age 40.

Psoriasis can come and go with varying degrees of severity, and attacks may be triggered by emotional stress, skin injury, and physical illness. There’s no cure for the condition, but many treatments are available, and your dermatologist will chose the right one based on the degree of your psoriasis and where on the body it occurs.

Eczema

Red, scaly, or even oozing crusty patches that itch a lot usually signal eczema, which is often called “the itch that rashes.” An umbrella term for a group of conditions, eczema is very common, affecting more than 30 million Americans. It’s not known what causes eczema, but researchers believe a combination of environmental factors and genetics are involved. People with eczema tend to have very dry skin, possibly the result of a mutation of the gene that controls creation of filaggrin, a protein that helps create a healthy barrier on the top layer of skin to keep moisture from escaping and bacteria from entering, according to the National Eczema Association. The immune systems of people with eczema also tend to overreact to allergens or irritants, attacking their bodies instead of protecting them. The result: inflammation that leads to red, itchy, and painful skin.

Eczema can be exacerbated by a variety of things, including hot baths and heavy use of soaps; tight, scratchy clothing; anything that makes your skin hot and bothered, such as sunbathing or excessive sweat-inducing exercise; scratching, which only inflames the already irritated skin even more; and stress, which can precipitate or aggravate an outbreak. Everybody’s eczema triggers are different, though, so it’s important to identify yours.

There’s no cure for eczema, but there are many treatments, including over-the-counter remedies, prescription meds, light therapy, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs. But self-care, including regular use of a moisturizer with a high oil content to keep the skin hydrated and less reactive, is key to managing flares.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Got white or yellowish greasy scales on oily areas of the body? Then you probably have seborrheic dermatitis, a very common condition that usually affects the scalp, ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, eyelids, and chest. (Many babies develop a type of seborrheic dermatitis known as cradle cap.) The cause isn’t entirely understood but may be related to yeast that naturally lives on the skin flourishing in oily secretions to a degree that your skin finds irritating.

Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60, and men are slightly more prone to developing it. Once you get it, you tend to have it for life. The condition comes and goes, often clearing and flaring without warning. Cold, dry weather can trigger flare-ups, as can stress.

To shake the scales, Dr. Gohara recommends using a dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole. These ingredients have antifungal properties that may keep the yeast on the skin at bay. You may need to try several shampoos to find the one that works best for you. Massage the shampoo onto the scalp and other affected areas and leave it in place for a few minutes before rinsing to give the active ingredient time to work. Seborrheic dermatitis can be stubborn, so if an OTC shampoo isn’t working, see a dermatologist.

Tinea versicolor

Yeast on the skin can also cause tinea versicolor, a condition that triggers dry, scaly, discolored patches on areas of high sweat—usually the neck, chest, back, and groin. “Yeast loves moist environments, so when some people sweat, it overgrows,” explains Dr. Gohara. The spots can be lighter or darker than your skin and may itch. The spots may become more noticeable after spending time in the sun.

Tinea versicolor is very common in tropical or subtropical areas of the world; some people who live in these environments have it year-round. The solution is the same as for seborrheic dermatitis: “Reel the yeast in with an antifungal shampoo,” says Dr. Gohara, who recommends using it head to toe every day for a month and then once or twice a week for the following month to maintain the results. Tinea versicolor often returns, especially if you live in a warm, humid environment, so using an antifungal cleanser once or twice a month can help prevent the yeast from overgrowing again.

Dryness

Dry skin can happen to anyone, but because your skin loses its ability to retain water as you age, it’s more common as you get older. To understand the problem, imagine skin’s outer, protective layer as a brick wall, with the cells being the bricks and a matrix of fatty materials being the cement that surrounds them. For a whole host of reasons—cold weather, indoor heat, hot water, aggressive washing, and aging, which reduces the cellular cement—skin can spring a microscopic leak and allow moisture to escape. When the water content drops below a certain point, it becomes dry, scaly, and itchy. Dry skin can crop up anywhere, but some parts of the body—like the extremities, which don’t have as many oil glands as the face—are more prone to becoming parched.

Moisturizing daily is an obvious solution to dryness, but your entire skincare regimen should help you avoid dry skin. Wash with a mild cleanser, take shorter showers with lukewarm water, and apply sunscreen every day, as UV rays can also lead to dryness. Opt for moisturizers with ingredients that supplement those found naturally in the skin, such as lipids, ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid, suggests Dr. Gohara. “You can’t beat Mother Nature.”

Actinic keratosis

These crusty, scaly, precancerous growths form on skin that soaks up a lot of sun over the years. The most common spots for actinic keratosis are the face, ears, bald scalp, shoulders, neck, forearms, and the backs of the hands. Actinic keratoses develop slowly and initially are felt rather than seen: “It’s like you’re running your finger over sandpaper,” says Dr. Gohara. Most actinic keratoses become red, but some are light or dark tan, white, pink, and/or flesh-toned, or even a combination of these colors. Often several actinic keratoses show up at the same time, and they may disappear only to reappear later. The growths are considered precancerous because if left alone, they could turn into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. “Only one in 1,000 develops into cancer, but since the potential is there, actinic keratoses should be treated,” says Dr. Gohara. Treatment typically includes one of a number of different surgical procedures to remove the growth or the use of a prescription medication.

Allergies

From fragrance to hair dye, there are many things you might put on your skin that you could be allergic to—and those irritants can cause inflammation that leads to itching, redness, and rough, scaly skin, technically called allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel is a common culprit: Between 10% and 20% of people are sensitive to this metal, according to the CDC, and nickel allergies affect more women than men.

Identifying a nickel allergy can be tricky for two reasons. First, the reaction is often delayed. “You can wear jewelry that contains nickel but you may not get a rash for another two weeks,” says Dr. Gohara. Secondly, the reaction can occur suddenly after years of exposure: You may have worn nickel-laced earrings for 20 years, and then one day it’s as though skin reaches a tipping point where it simply can’t handle any more contact with the metal. A dermatologist can perform a patch test to confirm whether you are indeed allergic to nickel.

Avoiding nickel seems like a surefire way to prevent this type of scaly skin, but it’s harder than you might think to steer clear of. Nickel can be found in zippers, bra hooks, jewelry, belt buckles, eyeglass frames, cell phones, laptops, and your computer mouse. To avoid exposure and reduce skin symptoms, buy nickel-free jewelry (opt for surgical stainless steel, titanium, sterling silver, or yellow gold), shield electronics with a protective cover, and replace metal bra hooks, zippers, buttons, and snaps with plastic. You can also create a barrier between metal items and your skin by coating them with clear nail polish.

Skin cancer

Especially at an early stage, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer, typically appears as scaly patches on areas of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure. (The name makes sense, since “squama” is Latin for scale.) These spots can also look like warts and sometimes appear as open sores with a raised border and a crusted surface. Unlike dry skin, these lesions, which range from pea-size to chestnut-size, can bleed if bumped, scratched, or scraped. They may persist, but they can also heal and then return. Anyone can develop SCC, but people with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at highest risk. SCC can become disfiguring and sometimes deadly if allowed to grow, so be sure to see your doctor if you notice any change in a preexisting skin growth or the development of a new one.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism, can affect many parts of the body, and the skin is no exception. A small gland that sits at the base of your neck, the thyroid produces hormones that control your metabolism. Along with feeling colder and sluggish and becoming forgetful and depressed, having a thyroid that produces too little thyroid hormone leaves many people with dry, rough, and scaly skin.

If you think you might have an underactive thyroid, your doctor can confirm it with a series of blood tests. The most common reason your thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone is due to an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's disease, in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland.

Ichthyosis

This disease gets its name from the Greek word for fish, and that’s no accident: When someone has ichthyosis, the skin often looks like it’s covered in fish scales. Ichthyosis results from the same gene mutation that may cause eczema that results in having too little filaggrin in your skin. Without enough of this protein, skin cells aren’t shed as they should be and tend to pile up on the surface, causing thickened, scaly skin, explains Dr. Gohara.

Ichthyosis usually begins at birth or in a baby’s first year, but it can affect people at any age. People inherit the gene mutation from one or both parents, neither of whom needs to have the disease to pass on the genes. There are more than 20 different types of ichthyosis, but 95% of people who develop it get the mildest form of the disease, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. There’s no cure for ichthyosis, but exfoliating and moisturizing regularly can usually control the symptoms. Dermatologists recommend taking long soaking baths to soften the scales, then using a washcloth, loofah, or pumice stone to gently slough them away. Once out of the tub, apply moisturizer to damp skin to help seal in water. Opt for a moisturizer that contains urea, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, ingredients that can both hydrate skin and reduce scaling. If the problem persists, see a dermatologist.

Sunburn

Scaly skin due to a peeling sunburn might not seem like a good thing at the time, but it’s actually how the body gets rid of the UV-damaged cells, explains Steven Wang, MD, director of dermatologic surgery and dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and chair of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee. “As a reaction to the massive UV assault, the cells commit suicide as a way to prevent those with an excessive amount of DNA mutation from propagating.” Unfortunately, this process isn’t perfect, and some of the surviving cells stick around and cause further mutations that could eventually become cancerous. Scary stat: A single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma later in life.

If you get burned, take quick action to prevent peeling: Cool your skin with cold compresses or take a cool shower or bath, then moisturize skin while it’s still damp (steer clear of petroleum or oil-based ointments that can trap heat and make the burn worse, advises the Skin Cancer Foundation). To avoid getting burned in the first place, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin; seek shade whenever possible; and cover up with hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.

Athlete's foot

You don’t have to be an athlete to get this fungal infection, but the warm, dark, moist environment inside a sporty sneaker is the perfect place for fungus to grow, says Brian Adams, MD, a dermatologist in Cincinnati and chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Sports Committee. The condition is particularly common between the toes, though it often spreads to the soles, the heels, and the edges of the feet. The fungus can cause skin to redden and crack, and the affected scaly areas flake and may become itchy.

Unlike most other causes of scaly skin, athlete’s foot is highly contagious. It’s also difficult to get rid of, so prevention is key. Athletes should opt for synthetic, moisture-wicking socks, which keep feet cool and dry, and wear flip-flops in community locker rooms and showers—contracting athlete’s foot is as easy as stepping on a tiny flake of skin from someone with the infection. Topical antifungal creams, gel, or sprays usually clear the infection quickly, but to be sure the skin is completely free of the fungus, you may need to treat it for a week or two after the rash has gone (follow the instructions on the label). Many other problems of the feet—including contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and dryness—may mimic athlete’s foot, so if the problem persists, see a dermatologist.

Pityriasis rosea

This rash follows a very distinctive pattern, appearing first on the body as a single, oval, scaly patch. Known as the “herald” or “mother” patch, this isolated spot usually develops on the trunk, upper arms, neck, or thighs, and rarely, on the face, scalp, palms, and soles. “Then, a couple of weeks later, you erupt in smaller patches from your neck to your thighs,” says Dr. Gohara. One telltale sign of pityriasis rosea: The patches often form a pattern that resembles a Christmas tree.

The cause of pityriasis rosea isn’t known, but it’s thought to be triggered by a viral infection. What is known is that the condition is harmless, neither contagious nor sexually transmitted, and usually clears up on its own after a month or two without treatment—though doctors may prescribe topical steroids if the skin itches, as it does about half the time. (Tip: Getting overheated can worsen the rash, so take lukewarm showers and baths.) “Pityriasis rosea can really freak people out because it’s this weird thing that pops up, and then it just sort of goes away leaving no trace,” says Dr. Gohara. See a doctor if you think you have this distinctive rash.

 

If your skin is dry, rough, and scaly, psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot, or other skin conditions could be to blame. Our guide to the many causes of scaly skin will help you pinpoint your problem–and identify the steps you can take to fix it.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement