The disease characterized by the coronavirus is known as COVID-19. Since many people who become ill with COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms, some develop serious symptoms that necessitate hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that there have been over 33 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. Since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, the number of new cases has been decreasing.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fatigue, fever, and cough. Some people, however, may experience less common symptoms. One of these is reckless. We’ll look at what COVID-19 rashes look like, how to treat them, and when you should see a doctor.
Are Rashes a Symptom of COVID-19?
A rash may appear in some COVID-19 patients. While both adults and youngsters have reported skin symptoms, the majority of available research focuses on adults. According to a 2020 meta-analysis of 2,261 people with COVID-19, the pervasiveness of skin symptoms was approximated to be around 1%. However, the incidence rate of rash in COVID-19 is unknown, according to a 2021 review. The following are some common symptoms associated with many COVID-19 rashes:
- Skin hyperpigmentation: Rashes are usually discolored about the surrounding skin. A rash on light skin may appear red, pink, or purple. It may show up purple, ashy grey, or dark brown on dark skin.
- Swelling: When particularly in comparison to the surrounding skin, the affected region may appear swollen or puffy.
- Itching: Many, but not all, COVID-19 rash types may itch.
How Long Do Rashes Last and How Often do They Appear?
The rash can appear at any time during COVID-19. In some cases, it appears shortly after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, whereas in others, it appears a few days later. The COVID-19 rash, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, can last 2 to 12 days. Most people have a rash for 8 days on average. Rashes on the toes, on the other hand, can last 10 to 14 days.
How does a COVID-19 rash appear?
The actual appearance of COVID-19 rashes varies from person to person. Although some communicable diseases, like chickenpox and measles, produce a distinct rash, a rash caused by COVID-19 can take a variety of forms:
Hives: COVID-19 rash can cause itchy spots or wheels that look like hives. These typically affect the arms, legs, and torso.
Macules and papules: A COVID-19 rash may include itchy spots that are flat or raised in some cases. This type of rash frequently affects the torso.
Rash with blisters: This type of COVID-19 rash can have blisters that resemble chickenpox. It is most commonly found on the torso and may itch.
Lace-like pattern: A few COVID-19 rashes have epidermis discoloration rings that form a lace or net-like pattern. The legs are usually affected by this type of COVID-19 rash.
Pinpoint spots: This kind of COVID-19 rash is characterized by dark pinpoint spots. The legs represent the most frequently affected area.
Toe rash: This type of rash, also known as “COVID toes,” causes discolored patches and swelling of one or more toes. The affected area may be painful, itchy, or have a burning sensation. Toe rashes appear to be more common in young adults.
What Exactly Causes the COVID-19 Rash?
Researchers are baffled as to why certain people with COVID-19 develop a rash while others do not. They also don’t comprehend what causes the rash to appear. Among the possible mechanisms are:
- direct infection of skin tissues by the novel coronavirus
- immune system activity
- the effects of increased blood clotting (hypercoagulability) that can sometimes happen in COVID-19
Various types of COVID-19 rash could also occur through different mechanisms. More information is being sought by researchers.
Would you get a rash after getting vaccinated?
A rash may also occur after getting your COVID-19 vaccine.
Allergic reactivity
The COVID-19 vaccine may cause an allergic reaction in some people. If this occurs, you may develop a rash or hives after receiving your vaccine. There are two types of adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine: mild and severe:
- Non-severe allergic reactions take place within four hours of vaccination. Hives, swelling, and wheezing are examples of symptoms.
- Anaphylaxis is a term used to describe this type of reaction. It usually occurs within minutes of vaccination and can cause hives, swelling of the face and throat, dizziness, or fainting.
