Some people may develop a rash. The type of rash varies from person to person. Certain rash types may suggest a more severe infection. When you think about the symptoms covid-19, fever cough, headache, and shortness of breath come to mind. Cutaneous findings can be clues to the diagnosis and infection severity in viral illnesses, including COVID-19. The authors provide an update on the diagnostic and prognostic value of the most common cutaneous abnormalities associated with COVID-19 in adult patients.
Covid rash common categories
1. Covid toes (also known as “pseudo-chilblains” painful inflammation of the digits in response to cold)
2. Urticaria (itchy red welts)
3. Morbilliform rash (containing macules and papules, resembling measles)
4. Vesicles (small blisters)
5. Vaso-occlusive lesion (due to thrombosis and occlusion of small arteries, with subsequent ischemia. Learn about drugs and related terms.
Covid toes
These painful red-purple bumps or plaques can appear on the hands and feet of people with COVID. They can be very painful and even blister. In some people, this has been the only symptom of COVID. This symptom is more common in people with underlying joint conditions.
Your fingers and toes may become swell up which can be painful. The fingers and toes of lighter skin people look purple, like wounds and the fingers and toes of brown and black skin people look darker.
Urticaria
Urticaria is also common in COVID-19. This is a rash that looks like red welts on the skin. During a viral infection, a hyperactive immune system can cause hives. The welts can vary in size from as small as a pencil eraser to as big as a dinner plate.
Morbiliform rash
Morbiliform eruptions are common in viral illnesses and were reported in patients with COVID-19 early in the pandemic. It involves red, itchy bumps that are widespread but they’re located on the trunk. Patients with COVID-19-associated morbilliform eruption have an excellent prognosis, with survival rates of 96.9% to 97.5%.
Vesicles
These small bumps are filled with fluid and may look like chickenpox. They can be limited to the trunk or speed out over a large area. Initially described as a varicella-like, vesicular eruption in COVID-19 has been described in both localized and diffuse distribution. The localized pattern is characterized by monomorphic vesicles in the same stage of evolution that are confined to the trunk. However, the diffuse pattern may be more common. the diffuse pattern consists of polymorphic papules vesicles and pustules. Lesions tend to resolve after about 8 days without scarring.
Vaso-occlusive lesion
These skin changes are from a blockage in small blood vessels. They can look like purple areas in patches or a circular pattern on the skin. They can also look like dark lesions on the fingers or toes. These changes are associated with more severe COVID. A similar pattern of microvascular thrombosis has been found in the skin biopsies and pulmonary tissue of COVID-19 patients with vaso-occlusive cutaneous lesions, suggesting that this manifestation could be a marker of systematic microvascular injury.
Covid skin rashes
Covid-19 can cause different skin rashes. These changes can sometimes be the first sign of infection. The earliest reports of COVID rashes found that 20% of people with COVID-19 had skin symptoms. Rashes can last for weeks while you are recovering from COVID. If you develop a new rash it’s best to let your healthcare provider know. You may also need testing for COVID-19.
Less common rashes are:
Petechiae ( small red dots on the skin from tiny blood vessels bursting )
Livedo reticularis ( a purple net-like rash commonly seen on the legs )
Canker sores ( mouth sores )
How to treat COVID rash?
Covid rash is not typically considered a serious condition and does not pose a significant risk to overall health. However, it can be uncomfortable or painful and can cause some people to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Treatment for COVID-19 rash in adults depends on the severity of the rash you’re experiencing and the type of skin lesions you have. In addition to COVID-19 treatment, specific treatments for the rash include:
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Anticoagulants ( blood thinners )
Covid rash in kids
In children and teens, the coronavirus can also lead to a rare, serious, and sometimes multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. (MIS-C) is a potentially serious complication of COVID-19 in children that causes inflammation in various organs. Doctors and scientists do not yet understand what causes MIS-C.
Skin symptoms are associated with MIS-C and can include:
Rash
Redness of the hands, feet, or both
Lips that are dry, red, or cracked
Other potential symptoms can include:
Red bloodshot eyes
Fever extreme fatigue
Abdominal pain
Digestive symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea
Neck pain
Many children who develop MIS-C will need to be cared for in a hospital. Because of this, it’s important to contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child has symptoms of MIS-C.
Allergic reaction after COVID-19 vaccination
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. If this happens you may notice a rash or hives after you get your vaccine. Allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine can be classified as either severe or non-severe:
Severe:
This type of reaction is called anaphylaxis. It typically happens in the minutes after vaccination and can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, and dizziness or fainting.
Non-severe:
A non-severe allergic reaction happens within 4 hours of vaccination. They may include signs such as hives, swelling, and wheezing.
What should you do? if you have a COVID rash?
If you have a new rash or other COVID symptoms, it’s best to take a test. You should also make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They can give you a diagnosis of your rash and treatment options. Many dermatologists and primary care providers offer virtual visits that you can set up from home. Be aware that if you have a COVID rash, you can still transmit the virus. This is the case even if you don’t have other symptoms.