Skin Rash: New Symptom Of COVID-19

Researchers from the United Kingdom have asked the assistance of the National Health Service to acknowledge skin rash among the symptoms of COVID-19.

In King’s College London, the data from an online COVID-19 symptoms study analyzed the data of 20,000 Britians (suspected for coronavirus/ positive tested for coronavirus) who self-reported their symptoms. Among these more than 2000 were infected by the coronavirus, and about 8.8% of people reported an itchy and blotchy skin rash. Moreover, 17,000 people were suspected of having COVID-19 also reported the skin rash as a symptom.

Dr. Mario Falchi, the lead researcher in the study, and he urged that the skin rash needs to be recognized and acknowledged through a formal medium. The research has not yet been peer-reviewed; therefore, the findings can not be used in the clinical practice and guideline procedures.

A prior Spanish study, published in April 2020, examined the patients of COVID-19 and the linked skin rash. About six patients out of 21 had skin rash (also known as enanthem) inside their mouths. Among these, four patients were women, and the age range was between 40-69 years.

The mouth rash appeared either two days before or after the onset of other symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, the skin rash was not due to any drugs or medication the patients were consuming, which provides evidence for a strong association between skin rash and coronavirus. However, the authors acknowledged that the number of cases was small, and elaborated research is needed to confirm if skin rash is another symptom of coronavirus.

“The presence of enanthem is a strong clue that suggests a viral etiology rather than a drug reaction, especially when a petechial pattern is observed.”

Dr. Mario Falchi advises the official recognition of skin rash as the symptom in consideration of the findings.

“Although it is less prevalent than fever, it is more specific of COVID-19 and lasts longer….and increased awareness will allow more efficient identification of new and earlier clusters of the disease.”