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Apr 30, 2024 · A COVID-19 rash is one of the many symptoms of COVID-19 that can occur in children or adults. It is caused by an overactive immune response that results in inflammation and discoloration, typically in the toes (though a COVID-19 rash can also appear on fingers, the chest, or the trunk).
- Overview
- Are rashes a sign of COVID-19?
- What does a COVID-19 rash look like?
- Pictures of rashes associated with COVID-19
- What causes COVID-19 rash?
- Can you get a rash after you’ve been vaccinated?
- What’s the best way to treat a rash from COVID-19?
- When to see a doctor
- Takeaway
Some people with COVID-19 may develop a rash. The type of rash varies from person to person. Certain rash types may suggest a more severe infection.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While many people who become sick with COVID-19 experience a mild or moderate illness, some can develop serious symptoms that require hospitalization.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fatigue, fever, and cough. However, some people may experience less common symptoms such as rash.
Below, we explore what COVID-19 rashes look like, how they can be treated, and when it’s important to see a doctor.
Some people with COVID-19 may develop a rash. While skin symptoms have been reported in adults and children, most available research centers on adults.
It’s unclear how often people experience skin symptoms with COVID. Findings from studies range from 0.2% in a 2020 Chinese study to 60% in a 2021 European research review. Some researchers think there may be regional variations and that skin symptoms like rash are more common among people who live in North America and Europe.
Some general symptoms associated with many COVID-19 rashes include:
•Skin discoloration: Rashes are typically discolored in comparison to neighboring skin. On light skin, a rash may look red, pink, or purple. On dark skin, it may appear purple, ashy gray, or dark brown.
•Swelling: The affected area may appear swollen or puffy compared to surrounding skin.
•Itching: Many, but not all, types of COVID-19 rash may itch.
The appearance of COVID-19 rashes can vary. While some infectious diseases, such as chickenpox and measles, cause a very distinctive rash, a rash due to COVID-19 can take many forms:
•Hives: COVID-19 rash can appear as itchy patches or wheals that resemble hives. These most often affect the limbs and torso.
•Macules and papules: In some cases, a COVID-19 rash can consist of itchy spots that may either be flat or raised, usually on the torso.
•Rash with blisters: This type of COVID-19 rash can appear with blisters that may look similar to chickenpox. It’s most often observed on the torso and may itch.
•Lace-like pattern: Some COVID-19 rashes can have rings of skin discoloration that form a lace or net-like pattern, typically on the legs.
•Pinpoint spots: This type of COVID-19 rash consists of dark pinpoint spots, most often on the legs.
Below are some examples of what COVID-19 rash can look like.
Researchers don’t understand why some people with COVID-19 get a rash and others do not. They also don’t know what exactly causes the rash to occur. Some possible mechanisms include:
•direct infection of skin tissues by SARS-CoV-2
•immune system activity
•the effects of increased blood clotting (hypercoagulability) that can sometimes happen in COVID-19
Allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. If this happens, you may notice a rash or hives after you get your vaccine. Allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine can be classified as either non-severe or severe: •Non-severe: Non-severe allergic reactions happen within 4 hours of vaccination. They may include signs such as hives, swelling, and wheezing. •Severe: This type of reaction is called anaphylaxis. It typically happens in the minutes after vaccination and can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, and dizziness or fainting.
Seek immediate care if you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine
If you have an allergic reaction after getting your COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you seek emergency medical care. The CDC also recommends you do not receive further doses of that vaccine. You may be able to receive a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. You may wish to speak with a doctor for more guidance. Was this helpful?
Delayed rash at the injection site
Some people may get a rash at the site of their injection. You may see this referred to as “COVID arm.” This type of rash is most often associated with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and typically happens after the first dose. However, it can also occur after a future dose. Delayed rashes at the injection site typically appear about a week after vaccination and last about 4 days. This rash can be large and include symptoms like: •redness •swelling •warmth •itching •pain This type of reaction isn’t harmful. If you have a delayed rash at the injection site, the CDC recommends you still receive any recommended additional doses or boosters. However, you may want to receive it in your other arm.
Most rashes that happen with COVID-19 will go away in about a week. Meanwhile, you can help treat a COVID-19 rash at home by doing the following:
•Apply a cool compress to the affected area to help ease swelling.
•Indulge in an oatmeal bath to help soothe irritated skin.
•Use OTC topicals, such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, to help alleviate itching or swelling.
•Take OTC antihistamines to help reduce symptoms associated with hive-like COVID-19 rash.
•Avoid scratching to help reduce the risk of infection, scarring, or skin pigmentation changes.
If you develop an unexplained rash, it’s a good rule of thumb to talk with a doctor. COVID-19 rashes may appear very similar to rashes caused by other medical conditions that need treatment.
The only way to be sure if your rash is due to COVID-19 is to get a COVID-19 test.
Whether or not it’s due to COVID-19, it’s important to seek medical attention for any rash that:
•happens along with any of the following symptoms:
•fever
•pain
Rash is one of the less common symptoms of COVID-19. It can take on many forms, including hives, macules, papules, or a toe rash. It’s unknown what exactly causes COVID-19 rashes to occur.
You can also develop a rash after being vaccinated for COVID-19. This can happen due to an allergic or delayed reaction at the injection site.
Generally, most COVID-19 rashes go away in about a week. You can care for them at home by applying a cool compress, using OTC topical products, and resisting the urge to scratch.
Contact a doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, particularly if it’s painful, has blisters, or covers a large area.
Jun 11, 2022 · The most common skin changes linked with mild to severe COVID-19 include a flat rash covered with small bumps, discolored areas on the fingers and toes (COVID toes), and hives. COVID toes appear to be more common in children and young adults.
Mar 13, 2024 · Most people with COVID-19 experience fever, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms. However, a small percentage may develop a rash and other skin manifestations associated with COVID-19 (i.e., COVID toes, urticaria , vesicular eruptions, and vaso-occlusive skin lesions).
Mar 1, 2022 · The authors provide an update on the diagnostic and prognostic value of the 5 most common cutaneous abnormalities associated with COVID-19 in adult patients: morbilliform rash, urticaria, vesicles, pseudo-chilblains, and vaso-occlusive lesions. KEY POINTS.
Nov 2, 2021 · Rashes on babies and children are common. They can happen for many reasons, including COVID-19 infection. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been studying the dermatologic effects of COVID-19 on kids and adults.
Jun 16, 2022 · International registry data indicate that morbilliform eruptions are the most common cutaneous manifestation in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Typical clinical features include a generalized, symmetric maculopapular rash with pruritus.
