The rash could be a symptom of the coronavirus. What should be worrying? [WE EXPLAIN]
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A skin rash may be a symptom of coronavirus infection. It’s one of the less common symptoms, but researchers at King’s College London say skin rash should be considered the fourth key symptom of COVID-19. What changes on the skin may be a symptom of coronavirus infection?

  1. Unlike fever, dry cough, and fatigue, rash is one of the less common symptoms of COVID-19.
  2. A rash may be the only noticeable sign of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the body
  3. The occurrence of skin changes in the course of COVID-19 does not surprise dermatologists. – Many viral infections can affect the skin
  4. Dermatologist Dr. Veronique Bataille lists three main types of lesions associated with SARS-CoV-2. These are: urticaria, rash erythematous papular and rash erythematous vesicles
  5. You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page

Skin rash – a less common but important symptom of COVID-19

Symptomatic patients with COVID-19 are associated with an average of 36 different symptoms, researchers from the Society of Family Physicians in Spain (SEMG) found. Their research has shown that fatigue and generally malaise are the most common. Apart from them, there are also headaches, apathy, muscle aches and shortness of breath.

The signs of a coronavirus infection are also the changes seen on the skin. Although they are among the less common symptoms, British scientists emphasize that they may play a key role in detecting infections in asymptomatic people. The rash may be the only noticeable sign of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the body. Moreover, in their opinion, skin rash should be considered one of the four key symptoms of COVID-19. Apart from fever, persistent cough and loss of sense of smell (the key skin symptoms also include the so-called “covid fingers” – you can read more about this symptom in the article: “Covid fingers” may be a long-term symptom of coronavirus infection).

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For most people, a skin rash may seem like an unusual symptom of a disease that affects primarily the respiratory system. Remember, however, that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, unlike the influenza virus, is not limited to the lungs, but affects the entire body. It is also known that the coronavirus causes a number of immune reactions that appear on the skin.

  1. A new early symptom of COVID-19 has been identified. May be disturbing

The appearance of rashes in the course of COVID-19 does not come as a surprise to dermatologists. “ Many viral infections can affect the skin and it is not surprising that we are seeing rashes in COVID-19, ” said Dr. Veronique Bataille, a dermatologist at St. Thomas in London. – It is important for people to know that in some cases a rash may be the first or only symptom of an illness. If you develop a rash, take it seriously: isolate yourself and get the coronavirus tested as soon as possible, she cautions.

  1. It is known in what order the symptoms of COVID-19 appear in patients. This is important in the context of fall illnesses

Rash with COVID-19. What should be worrying and when?

Dermatologists emphasize that COVID-19 can cause a variety of skin symptoms. Hence, it is not easy to link skin lesions with coronavirus infection. Dr. Veronique Bataille points out, however, that there are three main types of changes associated with SARS-CoV-2: urticaria, rash erythematous papular and rash erythematous vesicles. What are they characterized by?

Hives are raised, highly itchy blisters that come and go fairly quickly and can occur anywhere on the body. If it is the face, it may cause swelling of the lips and eyelids (in this situation it is necessary to check that there are no breathing difficulties – this condition requires immediate medical attention).

Urticaria can appear early in the infection, and sometimes the changes persist long after the “infectious phase” has passed. Its appearance may signal itching in the palms and soles of the feet. Urticaria lesions are successfully treated with antihistamines.

Rash erythematous papular (lesions raised and red) or rash erythematous vesicles (varicella-like lesions) – unlike hives, these types of skin lesions last for several days or weeks. They appear as red and uneven bumps, and can affect any part of the body, but most often they involve the elbows, knees, backs of hands and feet. The lesions are usually very itchy.

Doctors emphasize that rashes occur with many other diseases and conditions. Some of them may be the result of drugs, in people with dermatological problems, the exacerbation of the disease may be the result of stress or a fungal or bacterial infection. 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.

You may be interested in:

  1. The most common symptom of COVID-19? It’s not about coughing
  2. Five diseases that can be confused with COVID-19
  3. Cough with coronavirus infection – what is it characterized by?

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