All of us know by this time the fairly common symptoms of COVID-19- fever, dry cough, and muscle pain- the ones which can take a while to settle down and may also signal the severity and type of infection you have.
Some other possible signs of infection may also be dangerous, but often go unnoticed. For example, the presence of COVID toes and rashes.
1. COVID-19 can cause Inflammation on the Skin
While it can be easily dismissed as a normal rash or sign of allergy, unusual rashes, redness and bumps can often act as a sign of severe COVID-19.
Nearly 1 in 6 patients with skin symptoms go on to require acute hospital care, and many others suffer from lingering symptoms weeks and months after recovery. Hence, these are not the symptoms to be taken lightly.
Studies have also shown that rashes and bumps are also predominant signs of infection in younger children, who showcase different symptoms than adults.
2. Rashes
For many people suffering from COVID-19, the virus can spread to the veins and arteries and cause inflammation, which shows up on the skin. This rapid inflammation can result in rashes, which can be described as 'red, itchy, and even bumpy looking spots' at times.
In younger children and babies, the appearance of mottled or patchy skin can happen on the legs, hands, belly or back could be a sign to look out for.
Patchy, bumpy skin with redness can also happen due to the change in the blood pressure levels and flow of oxygen in the body. It can also be resultant of extreme chills and shivers which happen with a fever.
3. COVID Toes
COVID toes, first discovered in kids are now a common sign exhibited by adults as well.
Again resultant of inflammation in the body caused by viral spread, COVID toes can cause swelling, lesions, and discoloration in the fingers and toes. They have been likened to be similar to winter frostbites and chilblains.
Along with discoloration and swelling, it can also lead to blisters, and cause itches, pain, and roughness.
4. Dry Lips
As many patients have pointed out, lips can become sore if they have been suffering from coronavirus infection.
Developing dry, scaly lips during the infection phase can be common and the soreness can also spread inside the mouth. It is most likely a cause of skin dryness and blisters which happen with the infection.
Dry lips can also happen when you are dehydrated, or not getting ample nutrition during recovery.
Another sneaky sign, bluish tint on the lips, caused by oxygen deprivation- can also act as a warning sign of attention.
Who is more likely to be at risk?
Studies have pointed out people who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as respiratory disorders, obesity, seniors (which could impact immunity) are more likely to be at risk of developing long COVID.
Diabetic patients, who have recovered from COVID-19 need to pay extra attention since they have a higher risk of developing skin infection, suffer from bleeds and cuts.
Author:
Dr. Sheenam Sharma
Skin Specialist in Chandigarh
Dr. Sheenam's Skin | Hair & Laser Clinic
#1 | Sector - 21 A | Chandigarh
For Appointment Call: 90416-25252