What Your Skin Says About COVID

Amid the growing evidence that COVID-19 can affect almost every organ, the conversation about skin symptoms continues. Are certain rashes/conditions an early sign of COVID? Or just another side-effect of the virus? The conversation on this topic is confusing and new scientific research continues to pour in. While a less common symptom, coronavirus can affect your skin and for some, this may be the only symptom they experience.

What we know

With so many skin symptoms discussed at the beginning of the pandemic, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) created an international registry to collect and evaluate the findings. At first, only patients being treated for COVID had rashes and other dermatological conditions. One condition, resembling chilblains and affecting the feet and hands, was seen so often by healthcare providers that it was labeled “COVID toes”. As more people were tested, doctors started noticing that certain rashes seemed to either accompany a diagnosis of COVID or come along after treatment had been started.

Though the CDC symptoms list has been updated several times as more research has been done on the virus, there is still not enough definite research to add any skin conditions to that list. Many who get COVID do not develop rashes; however, healthcare professionals and scientists are noticing a correlation. It is advised and encouraged that people check with their doctor if they notice an unusual rash or skin condition. 

Two Main COVID-19 Skin Conditions

COVID seems to affect the skin differently depending on the patient. This results in a wide range of skin conditions that may be connected. Those listed below are the most common symptoms connected to COVID around the world:

COVID Toes

Though far more common in children and young adults, COVID toes can develop at any age. This condition usually presents with swelling toes that turn a pink, red, or purplish color. It sometimes affects the hands as well. This symptom can also cause:

• Blisters

• Itching

• Pain

• Bumps, sometimes with pus

• Raised areas of rough skin

While this symptom will go away without treatment, it can last from around 10 to 14 days and become rather uncomfortable. Some patients even have it for several months. To reduce the pain or itching, apply a hydrocortisone cream and contact your dermatologist if you don’t experience any relief.

Coronavirus Rashes

Many diseases, such as measles or chickenpox, cause a distinctive rash. COVID, on the other hand, is different. There is no single COVID-19 rash. Some patients never develop a rash, but if they do, it can look like any of the following:

• Patchy rash

• Itchy bumps

• Blisters that look like chickenpox

• Round, pinpoint spots on the skin

• Large patch with several smaller ones

• A lace-like pattern on the skin

• Flat spots and raised bumps that join together

As of now, medical reports suggest that these rashes usually last between 2-12 days. Some may require treatment. If you are experiencing a rash-like those listed above, compare it to some of the collected photos in this article and contact your dermatologist.

Many of the above symptoms could also be caused by another serious condition besides coronavirus, so always schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you notice strange rashes. If you notice any similar symptoms in your child, they may have a life-threatening overreaction to the coronavirus called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), in which case you should contact their doctor right away.

Because the coronavirus is yet a relatively new disease, we are still learning about the manifestations of all its symptoms. Though we do not fully understand why only some people experience skin-related symptoms, dermatologists around the world are spearheading the effort to learn more. 

Though we have come a long way, experts are still learning about the coronavirus. The information in this post is what was known or available at the publishing date, but it’s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.