A COVID-19 rash is considered one of the numerous symptoms of COVID-19 that may occur in children or adults. It is attributable to an overactive immune response that ends in inflammation and discoloration, typically within the toes (though a COVID-19 rash can even appear on fingers, the chest, or the trunk).
This article discusses a few of the features of those rashes, how soon after an infection, a rash might appear, and whether a COVID-19 rash is a symptom to fret about.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.
Rash and COVID-19: What’s the Link?
The virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved several times, and every variant has a unique set of symptoms.
One consistency across different types of this viral infection is the way it triggers an inflammatory response within the body. The general thought is that rashes that appear during a COVID-19 infection are either the results of the virus’s direct interaction with skin cells or an extreme immune system response to the viral infection.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.
Symptoms to Look For
Rashes that appear with a COVID-19 infection can take many forms. The kind of rash can vary by the strain of the virus and the stage of your infection.
Symptoms of COVID-19 rashes can include:
- Discolored areas which might be flat or barely raised (maculopapular rash)
- Raised, fluid-filled blisters (papulovesicular rash)
- Generalized or widespread discoloration (erythematous rash)
- Discolored, itchy rash (urticarial rash)
- Darkened areas of skin, especially on the toes or fingers (“COVID toes”)
Missed Symptoms: Darker Skin Tones
COVID-19 rashes often go unnoticed in darker skin tones, because the natural skin pigment can camouflage signs of inflammation or irritation.
Maculopapular and papulovesicular rashes are amongst probably the most common manifestations of a COVID-19 infection. About one-third of all cases report each, making it difficult to distinguish between them.
There can also be some variation as to when and where these rashes appear. Some people experience more skin symptoms on the toes and fingers, while other COVID-19 rashes are more distinguished on the chest or trunk.
Finally, some researchers debate what a rash means for the severity and duration of a COVID-19 infection. One study describes maculopapular rashes developing later in a COVID-19 infection. In contrast, papulovesicular rashes more often appear at the beginning of the infection and before other symptoms. In some cases, a rash is the one symptom of a COVID-19 infection.
Symptoms Differences in Children vs. Adults
Some rash forms are more common in younger people and kids. Rashes are also related to severe inflammation in some kids infected with the virus. Multisystem inflammatory system in children (MIS-C) is a condition through which severe inflammation can result in serious illness and even death.
How to Treat a COVID-Related Rash
Healthcare providers cannot treat a rash that happens alongside a COVID-19 infection. A COVID-19 infection is treated by managing symptoms like fever and cough, but no cure exists for the virus.
Likewise, rashes attributable to the coronavirus haven’t any cure but are managed with medications and therapies to extend comfort. Healthcare providers typically recommend or prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids for rashes, as they’ll reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms like itching.
Rash Risk for Immunocompromised Teens and Adults
People with weakened immune systems are vulnerable to infection. While mortality rates amongst immunocompromised people have decreased with using vaccines, symptoms like rashes can last more for these individuals.
Complications of Untreated Rash From COVID-19
COVID-19 rashes can disappear in days or last several weeks. In most cases, the rashes will resolve without ongoing symptoms or complications. For some, a rash could be a sign of a more severe COVID-19 infection that may lead to long-lasting symptoms or complications.
While long-lasting effects of those rashes are possible, the symptoms are frequently limited to changes in skin color (hyperpigmentation). In rare cases, everlasting tissue damage and even tissue death (necrosis) may occur.
Limiting Infection and Secondary Risks
The handiest solution to prevent a COVID-19-related skin rash is to avoid an initial COVID-19 infection.
Experts suggest taking the next steps to guard yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
- Avoid going out in public when you are sick.
- Try to avoid close contact with people are sick.
- Wash your hands often.
Summary
Rashes are a possible symptom of a COVID-19 infection. The location and appearance of those rashes can vary from individual to individual and by variant.
If you develop a rash without other symptoms after exposure to the COVID-19 virus, you might wish to be tested for COVID-19 to avoid spreading the infection to others. You may additionally develop a rash long after other symptoms of COVID-19 appear.
Antihistamines and steroids may help relieve symptoms like inflammation and itching that accompany these rashes. For most individuals, COVID-19 rashes clear in weeks without serious complications.
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