The skin rash in COVID-19 adds to the long list of symptoms of the disease caused by Corona virus infection. The rash can appear on various parts of the body and can resemble the rash of measles, herpes, or chickenpox.
Fever, dry cough and shortness of breath are common symptoms of COVID-19. However, there are other symptoms that can also appear due to Corona virus infection, namely skin rashes. According to some studies, about 20% of COVID-19 patients exhibit these symptoms.
If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection, such as a skin rash, and require a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
The skin rash in COVID-19 was first reported by a patient in Italy. The rash can appear in the early stages of disease progression or during hospitalization.
Uniquely, this skin rash can appear and disappear suddenly. In addition, the appearance is similar to skin rashes in certain types of skin diseases, such as chickenpox and measles.
Types of Skin Rashes in COVID-19
The following are some types of skin rashes that can appear as symptoms of COVID-19:
1. Maculopapular rash
Maculopapular rash is the most common skin rash seen in COVID-19 patients. This rash looks like red spots that can appear on the face, trunk, arms, or lower legs.
The maculopapular rash is similar to the skin patches in measles, scarlet fever, and herpes. On the skin of COVID-19 patients, the rash that appears is sometimes itchy and lasts for 2–21 days.
2. COVID toes
COVID toes characterized by swollen, red, blistered, itchy, painful, and sometimes blistered toes with fluid or pus in them. Within a few days, the reddened toe may turn purplish in color and the blisters sometimes spread over the entire foot.
Apart from the toes, COVID toes It can also occur in the fingers. This rash is reported to be more common in pediatric patients, adolescents, and young adults, and can last from 10 days to months.
3. Hives
The skin rash in COVID-19 can also look like hives or urticaria. Hives are characterized by the appearance of red bumps accompanied by itching. Hives can appear on any part of the body, including the face, arms, chest, back, and lower legs.
In some COVID-19 patients, hives can appear before symptoms of fever or shortness of breath occur.
4. Vesicular rash
A vesicular rash resembles small, fluid-filled blisters. This rash usually forms if a person has chickenpox, shingles, or herpes simplex. Blisters of this type are also found in 1% of cases of COVID-19 and can appear for about 10 days.
5. Petechiae or purpura
Petechiae or purpura are small purplish or reddish spots caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin.
Petechiae It usually appears on the arms, legs, stomach, or buttocks. However, these spots can also appear inside the mouth or on the eyelids. Some COVID-19 patients who experience this type of skin rash are also reported to have decreased platelets.
6. Livedo racemosa
Livedo racemosa is a reddish or brown skin rash with a web-like pattern. The appearance of this skin rash is caused by the narrowing of blood vessels near the skin.
In the case of COVID-19, livedo racemosa can last as long as 9 days and is more common in elderly patients.
7. Ischemia and necrosis
Ischemia is a condition when the tissues or organs of the body do not get enough blood and oxygen. Ischemia can cause cells and tissues in that part of the body to die (necrosis). Some COVID-19 patients are reported to have a rash or reddish and purplish spots on their fingers as a result of this condition.
Until now, the cause of the appearance of skin rashes in COVID-19 patients is still not known with certainty. However, several studies state that the appearance of the symptoms of the skin rash is related to the body's immune reaction against the Corona virus or the side effects of drugs.
If you experience a skin rash accompanied by fever, cough, and shortness of breath, especially if you have a history of contact with a COVID-19 patient, immediately self-isolate and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 ext. 9 for further guidance.
You can also use the features chat consult a doctor on the ALODOKTER application to determine whether the rash you are experiencing is a symptom of COVID-19 or not.