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Symptoms on the skin may be one of the signals of coronavirus infection. Mouth ulcers, frostbite-like lesions, “covid tongue” are examples of the symptoms reported. Dermatological problems are sometimes the only signal of COVID-19, it also happens that they appear along with other symptoms or even after the infection is overcome. What exactly happens to the skin during and after COVID-19 infection? What is a cause of it? Here’s what is known.
- Coronavirus can also affect the skin. It is then said about the so-called cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19. It is estimated that about 20% of them experience them. sick
- Change can take many forms. The most common symptoms are erythematous-papular rash or erythematous-vesicular rash and urticaria.
- The most characteristic skin symptom associated with the coronavirus is “covid fingers”. The lesions appear as reddish-purple spots, resemble frostbite and can be painful
- People who have not had any skin problems and who are now noticing unusual changes should be especially vigilant. In such a situation, it is recommended to self-isolate and perform a coronavirus test as soon as possible
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
COVID-19 and accompanying changes in the skin. When do they happen?
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, unlike the flu virus, is not limited to the lungs but affects the entire body, including the skin. Estimates say that skin symptoms may be experienced by up to 20,4 percent. COVID-19 patients. Changes can appear at any time during the disease, also before other symptoms appear, and also in convalescents. Statistics say that 47 percent. of patients, it occurred along with other symptoms of COVID-19, in 35 percent. – later, in 17 percent they were the first sign of infection. It is also known that the appearance of skin symptoms is not related to the severity of the disease.
As early as 2020, British scientists pointed out that skin lesions, being the only noticeable signal of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the body, may play a key role in detecting asymptomatic infections. Moreover, even then, researchers signaled that in their opinion, skin rash should be considered one of the key symptoms of COVID-19.
As for the Omicron cases, this is not a common symptom, but it does happen. According to data from the “ZOE COVID Symptom Study” (an application that allows patients to report COVID-19 symptoms), skin lesions are so far in the 31st place in terms of the frequency of occurrence in superwariant infection.
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Most skin symptoms go away within a week or two. Some, however, may last for months. What can happen to the skin during COVID-19 or after recovery?
What happens to the skin during COVID-19? The most common symptoms
COVID-19 can cause a variety of skin symptoms. The most common are erythematous-papular rash (the lesions are raised and red) or erythematous-vesicular rash (varicella-like lesions). They appear as red and uneven bumps that can touch any part of the body, but most commonly include the elbows, knees, backs of the hands and feet. They are accompanied by severe itching.
The second most common skin lesion associated with SARS-CoV-2 is urticaria in the form of raised, strongly itchy blisters. They appear and disappear fairly quickly and can occur anywhere on the body. If it is the face, the lips and eyelids may be swollen (if you have difficulty breathing, urgent medical attention is needed). Itchy palms and soles may precede the appearance of hives.
Changes from cutaneous vasculitis are less frequently reported symptoms associated with COVID-19. They may appear as itchy or burning hives, vesicles, papules or spots. There are also light-sensitive rashes on the face or neck.
For skin irritations of various causes, we recommend Mediskin Aqua Cream for diaper rash and bedsores, which also works well with burns, frostbites, abrasions, etc.
What happens to the skin during COVID-19? «Covid fingers»
We heard about “covid fingers” as a symptom of coronavirus infection at the beginning of the pandemic. This is the most specific skin lesion associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. “Covid fingers” appear as reddish-purple spots and resemble frostbite, may be painful but are not usually itchy. They often occur with blisters and ulcers. They appear on the fingers and toes, including the palms.
Initially, “covid fingers” were most often observed in children and adolescents. The changes lasted for about two weeks and were usually associated with a mild course of the infection. Sometimes they were even the only symptom of the disease. Later observations showed that they can persist long after the infection. In one patient, inflammation lasted for 150 days. It is also known that this symptom is more common in young people and those who have had the infection mildly.
What happens to the skin during COVID-19? «Covid language»
The atypical mouth ulcers associated with the coronavirus began to be talked about louder in early 2021. swollen tongue with red and white patches. This symptom has been dubbed “covid language” (informal term). There are other symptoms as well. Some have reported dry mouth, fungal infections (such as thrush), and sometimes muscle aches when chewing.
In COVID-19 patients, doctors also diagnosed transient U-shaped papillitis and sometimes accompanying tongue swelling, mucositis or glossitis, and burning sensation in the mouth.
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Why do skin changes appear during COVID-19?
It is not known exactly why SARS-CoV-2 causes skin symptoms. In the case of “covid fingers”, virus-induced damage to the endothelium may be the mechanism causing the changes. It is also possible that some of the changes are related to coagulation disorders.
When it comes to rashes, dermatologists aren’t surprised. – Many viral infections can affect the skin and it is not surprising that we are seeing rashes in COVID-19 – said a dermatologist at St. Thomas in London, Dr. Veronique Bataille. Some of the changes seen may be due to the effects of drugs. In people with dermatological problems, exacerbation of the disease may be the result of stress or a secondary infection (fungal or bacterial). It’s important to remember that skin rashes are common and their causes can vary.
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Certainly, increased vigilance should be shown by people who have not had problems with the skin so far, and who are now noticing unusual changes in themselves. In this case self-isolation, contacting a doctor and testing for SARS-CoV-2 is recommended as soon as possible. Most COVID-19-related skin lesions do not require treatment, but it is worth consulting with a specialist who, if necessary, will recommend measures to alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
Do you want to test your COVID-19 immunity after vaccination? Have you been infected and want to check your antibody levels? See the COVID-19 immunity test package, which you will perform at Diagnostics network points.
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