Skin rashes in coronavirus, an important clinical feature

Skin rash should be considered as a fourth key sign of COVID-19, and ...please

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Rashes had been reported, China and Europe in hospitalised patients

Study to systematically gather data about skin rashes in milder cases in the wider population

Viral skin rashes, (Dr Veronique Bataille)

“Many viral infections can affect the skin, so it’s not surprising that we are seeing these rashes in COVID-19,”

“However, it is important that people know that in some cases, a rash may be the first or only symptom of the disease

So if you notice a new rash, you should take it seriously by self-isolating and getting tested as soon as possible.”

Study initial findings

336,000 regular UK app users

8.8% of people reporting a positive coronavirus swab test had experienced a skin rash as part of their symptoms

Also, rash reported in a further 8.2% of users with cough, fever or anosmia

5.4% of people with a negative test result

To investigate further

Images and information from 12,000 people

17% of respondents testing positive for coronavirus reported a rash as the first symptom of the disease

21% of those confirmed as being infected with coronavirus, the rash was their only symptom

Rashes, three categories

Hive-type rash (urticaria)

Raised bumps on the skin which come and go quite quickly (hours) and are usually very itchy

Can involve any part of the body

Often starts with intense itching of the palms or soles

Can cause swelling of the lips and eyelids

These rashes can present quite early on in the infection, but can also last a long time afterwards

Prickly heat or chickenpox-type rash

Erythemato-papular or erythemato-vesicular rash

Areas of small, itchy red bumps that can occur anywhere on the body

Particularly the elbows and knees, back of the hands and feet

The rash can persist for days or weeks.

COVID fingers and toes (chillblains)

Reddish and purplish bumps on the fingers or toes

May be sore but not usually itchy

This type of rash is most specific to COVID-19

More common in younger people

Tends to present later on

Dr Justine Kluk

“These findings highlight the importance of keeping an eye on any new changes in your skin, such as lumps, bumps or rashes.

Early reporting of COVID-associated rashes by members of the public and recognition of their significance by frontline healthcare practitioners

May increase the detection of coronavirus infections and help to stop the spread.”

Dr Tanya Bleiker, President, British Association of Dermatologists

“Documenting the skin symptoms associated with COVID-19 is an important piece of the puzzle in building our understanding of the disease.

Skin symptoms may play a crucial role in detecting infection in people who are otherwise asymptomatic."

We’re delighted to be working with the team at KCL to make an image library of COVID-19 skin manifestations accessible on a dedicated website.

This will help healthcare professionals guide their decision making in clinical settings

and may have a role in educating the public about skin symptoms which would warrant self-isolation.”

[rhonapage]

THIS is why I have been a faithful and loyal watcher of you Dr. Campbell and have more or less ignored main stream news you are my hero (whether you like it or not!🥰) you are a hero to ALL of us!❤️🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧❤️

[maxfowles]

I just hit like going into these videos, and I'm never disappointed by the time I've watched them all.

[marshafleming]

Thank you from the US for you plain English calm scientific information clarifying status and new findings. I am sheltering at home and my stress level is greatly reduced when I listen to you.

[iangoddard]

You may have saved thousands of lives with your youtube videos!

[scottbrooks]

My wife got a rash over the weekend while I also had some symptoms. Thank you Dr. Campbell for your hard work this year. This info is helping us get in front of it.

[Deb]

My dad had rashes on his arms. The doctor said it looked like "sun burn". Six days later he collapsed from shortness of breath, the ambulance took him to the hospital, and he was diagnosed with COVID-19. Right now he is in ICU fighting for his life.

[EpicStarSigns]

I thought I had Pityriasis Rosea when I had an all body rash that lasted several weeks a few months ago. I felt generally unwell but had no fever or trouble breathing. I wonder if I had COVID? I never got tested for it when I was sick.

[Rebecca-ilie]

Dr. Campbell is a shining light in these troubled times. Another great science based source of reliable information is TWIV This Week In Virology hosted by Vincent Racanyelling. Thanks again Dr. Campbell for all you do.

[paulbork]

Thanks, as always, John. You are quite welcome in my home and I appreciate you and your efforts on this.

[lolafalana]

Recovering from Covid now. Started with a drippy nose, sore throat, body aches, extreme fatigue, fever for 3 days, congestion, cough, lost my taste and now on day 7, I have a rash on my stomach, chest and back.

[Graphicxtras]

I had a high raised / weird rash over my skin a while back, so who knows ?? Glad you have mention that this is another possible symptom. The trouble is, would people start staying in or avoiding people because they see a rash on their body ?

[geriatricmotorcars]

Dr'your thorough explanation and common sense '
I bow to your knowledge ..
Great work

[newnewsbrooklyn]

Now i know what the itchy rash on the soles and tops of my feet is.
I used antihistamine and antifungal powder on it
I tested negative but have my doubts about the test results.

[tomgayle]

Dr Campbell. Thanks for your videos . WE welcome the info.

[tekannon]

Dear Dr Campbell, Thank you for your reports. I've already said this, but I'll say it again: Thanks to you I have greatly increased my awareness of the Covid-19 pandemic, and I now do things like walk home when I see the trams packed with people and a breakdown in the system meaning another tram could take hours. Why stand for 20 minutes head to head with people knowing you could catch the virus? When I'm in the tram and someone coughs behind me, even though everyone is wearing a mask, I'll get up and move away. They've started giving concerts in the city I live in, but I have held off from going into confined spaces. Now you tell us that a rash is part of the parcel for this multi-infectious illness. When is it going to stop and when are we going to start realizing a virus that can knock out one's sense of smell is not something that happened out of nature? I shouldn't say that; I don't have proof, but what kind of thing are we talking about here? Keep up the good work.

[More-Space-In-Ear]

Cheers John.
I too have been using the app and was surprised at reading about the rash in the email Tim sent..

[dawnparker]

Your videos are always so informative. Thank you for your hard work and for all you are giving to the world ❤️

[joshrogers]

Many thanks John. I've passed the information on to family and friends. The photos are very helpful.🙏

[weseemabdullah]

I swear this video is the only reason I got tested. I am a 23 year old male who was experiencing hive like rash on my palm after going to a bar on shrooms during the Fourth of July. That was my first time going out since corona became widespread. I thank you completely for informing me about this symptom because after I got positive test for corona. This video helped make my family safer, and I thank you effusively.

[teresam]

You sir are my hero thank you for everything you are doing. You are greatly appreciated in the US💖💖