COVID-19 Can Cause Skin Rashes: What to Expect and When to See a Doctor
We usually think of COVID-19 as a viral illness that causes respiratory symptoms, like congestion, sore throat, and a cough. But, like a surprising amount of other viruses, the coronavirus can also lead to annoying, itchy, and even painful skin rashes.
How Does COVID-19 Cause Skin Rashes?
When you see a rash as part of a virus, you’re not really seeing the virus go into your skin directly, Dr. Andrew Walls, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, tells TODAY.com.
Instead, what you’re usually seeing “is the virus activating your immune system to a high degree as it’s combating the virus,” he explains. While it’s not a common symptom of COVID, a rash is yet another manifestation of your body’s overall immune response to the virus.
Types of COVID-Related Skin Rashes
Hives
Hives, also called urticaria, can be related to allergies. But they also appear after a viral infection, including COVID-19.
The condition can present as raised, itchy, red, pink, or flesh-colored bumps. They can occur in isolated patches or large clusters. And they can appear pretty much anywhere on the body, including your back, chest, legs, and face, Walls says.
Morbilliform Rash (Measles-Like)
A typical viral exanthem is a rash made up of smooth, raised pink dots that can collect into larger patches, Walls says. The rash tends to start on the chest or back. Then, over a few days, it spreads to the extremities. (Some people only have a small area of their body covered while others have very large areas with rash.)
Coxsackie-Like Rash
Dermatologists have also seen COVID-related rashes that resemble those caused by the Coxsackie virus, also called hand, foot, and mouth disease.
COVID Toes
You may remember a lot of talk about “COVID toes” early on in the pandemic. But it’s not something dermatologists see a lot of these days, the experts say.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis is an autoimmune condition caused by inflammation of the blood vessels, and it can present as a rash.
Can COVID Trigger or Exacerbate Other Skin Issues?
In addition to causing skin rashes, COVID-19 infections can also exacerbate or trigger a recurrence of pre-existing skin issues you may have.
COVID Skin Rashes in Children
Kids can get skin rashes due to viral infections, including COVID-19. In fact, children are “a little more prone to these skin reactions with viruses than adults are,” Walls explains.
When to See a Doctor for COVID Skin Rashes
“If you have a rash and COVID, it is absolutely worthwhile to go to see your primary care physician and discuss it with them,” Gehlhausen says.
If your rash is severe, covers a large area of your body, or is especially painful or itchy, you should definitely check in with a doctor or dermatologist, Walls says. They may be able to prescribe medications, like topical antihistamines or steroids, to help your skin heal.
Conclusion
COVID-19 can cause a range of skin rashes, from mild and itchy to severe and painful. While most of these rashes are not a cause for concern, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or if your rash persists or worsens over time.
FAQs
Q: What is the most common type of COVID-related skin rash?
A: Hives are the most common type of COVID-related skin rash.
Q: Can COVID-19 cause skin rashes in children?
A: Yes, children can get skin rashes due to viral infections, including COVID-19.
Q: Should I see a doctor if I have a mild COVID-related skin rash?
A: No, if you have a mild COVID-related skin rash, you can usually treat it at home with over-the-counter antihistamines or pain medication. However, if your rash is severe, covers a large area of your body, or is especially painful or itchy, you should definitely check in with a doctor or dermatologist.
Q: Can COVID-19 cause skin rashes to last for a long time?
A: While most COVID-related skin rashes are self-limiting and resolve on their own, some people may experience persistent or recurring skin rashes. In these cases, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
