Covid 19 has completely transformed all our lives and is likely to do so for the foreseeable future. Fortunately the majority of those affected will suffer with only mild symptoms. Identifying the disease especially in the absence of widespread testing can be a challenge especially in those with few obvious symptoms. Dermatologists have now added to our ability to diagnose COVID infection by describing several rashes that may indicate the presence of this virus.

The typical symptoms of COVID infection are widely publicised and being aware of these allows us to seek early medical help should we or a family member develop any of the symptoms. Among the more common symptoms are fever, fatigue, dry cough, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste, loss of smell and shortness of breath.

… “21-04-20 – Dr Maria Gonzalez Talking about Covid 19 Symptoms at Specialist Skin Clinic
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However there has always been a recognised link between viral infections and the skin. Viral exanthems are rashes which occur on the skin as a result of a viral infection. Common viral infections such as measles have well recognised skin rashes which make it easy to diagnose these problems.

Recently information has been published showing that 20% of COVID patients who were hospitalised in Italy either developed a rash early in their disease before admission to hospital or later on when they were hospitalised. The main rashes identified appeared as general redness of the chest abdomen, back and legs. Urticaria was also recognised which presents as red wheals or hives which were sometimes painful. A chicken-pox like rash has also been described. In addition an American dermatologist has described patient presenting with small bruises on the skin due to effects of the virus on blood vessels.

Rashes are not linked to the severity of the disease. However  they may allow early diagnosis of COVID infection even in patients who feel quite well otherwise. Patients developing any of these rashes should seek their GP’s advice to rule out the possibility of COVID infection so that appropriate action can be taken.