Skin Rash: COVID-19, Types, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Skin rashes are an uncommon symptom of COVID-19. However, in asymptomatic young adult patients, the symptom of skin rashes has been found more commonly than others. Skin rashes are not yet listed as official symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, but certain skin rashes could be an indicator that you might be affected by COVID-19.
If a patient is suffering from fever symptoms and starts getting rashes on their skin, the chances of the patient suffering from COVID-19 increase. They must immediately get tested to see if they have contracted the COVID-19 virus. Some rashes have been commonly found to be affecting people suffering from COVID-19.
Let us discuss their types, causes, treatments, and prevention below.
5 Skin Rashes That Can Be Symptoms Of The Covid-19 Virus
1. COVID Digits
Description: COVID digits refer to red and purple rashes on the fingers and toes of a patient. These rashes were common in the colder months of the year, but after they affected people in the warm months too. It was connected to be a symptom for COVID-19. However, officially it is not listed as a COVID-19 symptom.
Symptoms: Inflammation on the fingers and toes of patients with red and purple rashes that cause soreness. These rashes are not known to cause itchiness. If they are accompanied by fever, it can increase the possibility of COVID-19 infection.
Treatment: As this rash is related to COVID-19, it is essential to get tested for the virus if you show any other symptoms along with the rashes. For the rashes, you can use topical nitroglycerin gels.
Prevention: Avoid over-exposure to cold temperatures. Keep your hands, face, and feet warm and dry. Be sure to wear a mask, sanitise regularly, and maintain social distancing.
2. Eczema on Neck and Exposed Chest Regions
Description: Neck and exposed chest eczema has been linked to patients suffering from or recovering from COVID. This rash appears on the patient's neck and chest area that is exposed to sunlight. These rashes are pink in appearance and itchy and can stay for an extended period.
Symptoms: Very pink rashes on the neck and exposed chest regions in direct contact with sunlight. The rashes are very itchy and cause severe irritation.
Treatment: The best way to treat this condition is to avoid using soaps and other irritants. You can also use some medically prescribed ointment and gels to provide comfort from the itching and irritation.
Prevention: Do not use harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents. Avoid wearing scratchy fabric like wool and moisturise regularly.
3. Oral Rashes
Description: Oral Rashes are found on the lips of people suffering from or recovering from COVID-19. These rashes can be found on the patient's lips, and it causes the lips to be sore. Oral rashes are uncommon and cannot always be linked with COVID-19.
Symptoms: Soreness and rashes on the lips, dry and scaly lips. These rashes can also cause soreness inside your mouth.
Treatment: For pain relief, you can use medicines such as Tylenol. Also, try gargling with salt and water.
Prevention: Using proper dental hygiene is essential for protection against oral rashes. You should also consider not consuming very hot foods or drinks.
4. Pityriasis Rosea
Description: This type of rash can be caused due to viral infection, although it has not yet been completely confirmed. They appear either on your chest, abdomen, or back.
Symptoms: This rash often starts out as a large spot on your abdomen, chest, or back followed by smaller lesions.
Treatment: These rashes can heal on their own in their own time, although you can use certain antihistamines and antiviral drugs to get rid of this rash quickly.
Prevention: This rash does not have any clear prevention steps as the cause for this rash is not yet fully understood. The best call of action is to maintain proper hygiene and follow COVID appropriate behaviour.
5. Hives
Description: Hives or urticaria is a type of rash that develops rapidly and can affect any part of the body. In the case of a COVID-19 patient, these rashes can show when the virus shortly infects the person. However, this rash is more long-term for people healing from the virus and is no longer contagious.
Symptoms: Appears on any part of the body and is intensely itchy. It can also cause swelling in certain areas of the body.
Treatment: These rashes can go away as quickly as a few hours on their own. In case the rashes do not go away, you can opt for antihistamine medication.
Prevention: It is crucial to maintain proper skin hygiene to avoid these rashes. Also, avoid using hot water showers to prevent hives.
Skin rashes are not automatically linked to COVID-19. However, the rashes mentioned above are commonly found in people either affected or healing from COVID-19. Some of these rashes can signify that you are affected by the virus, even if you are asymptomatic. So, it is essential to take these cues seriously and get yourself tested when required.