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

E mail, [email protected]

Download my e books, (one on Physiology and one on Pathophysiology) from https://campbellteaching.co.uk/ebooks/
There is a small charge for these, but profits all go to helping my various projects, thank you
https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/skin-r...

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.11...

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.11...

See pictures
https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/covid-...

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.”