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This article will talk about rash as a sign of COVID-19. It will also discuss treatments for the rash, when to contact a doctor, and other symptoms of COVID-19.
The list of COVID-19 symptoms grew a lot since its initial worldwide spread in 2020. One symptom that doctors still do not fully understand is the rash some people seem to develop.
Many conditions like chickenpox or measles have a distinctive rash that is easily diagnosable. COVID-19, however, is different. There is no one distinguishable rash associated with COVID-19.
Many people who have COVID-19 never develop a rash. However, if you do develop a rash with COVID-19, it may appear as any of the following:
- patches
- itchy bumps
- blisters similar to chickenpox
- round, pinpoint spots
- large patch with several smaller ones
- lace-like pattern
- flat spots and raised bumps that connect to each other
How long does the rash last?
Experts are still researching the rash that can appear with COVID-19. However, initial cases showed that the rash typically only lasts 2–12 days. Many people see the rash clear in under 8 days.
If you have a new or unexplainable rash, contacting your doctor is a good idea. There are many common causes of rashes that may appear similar to a COVID rash that may require medical treatment.
The only way you can know for sure that your rash may be due to COVID-19 is to take a COVID test.
Speak with your doctor before treating your rash at home. Some ways you can manage your COVID rash at home include:
- placing a cold compress on the affected area
- sitting in warm oatmeal baths
- using over-the-counter (OTC) creams, like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion
- taking antihistamines
- avoiding scratching, as this can lead to infection
You can develop a rash after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. There are two possible causes for this.
Allergic reaction
Severe allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccinations are rare. It is possible for you to experience either a severe or nonsevere allergic reaction, however.
Here is how to tell the difference between nonsevere and severe allergic reactions:
- Nonsevere reactions: These reactions may have an onset within
4 hours Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source of receiving the vaccine. Experts consider them immediate reactions, but medical professionals do not usually classify them as severe because they do not include the required symptoms. Nonsevere reactions may include swelling, itching, and wheezing.
- Severe reactions: Experts consider severe allergic reactions medical emergencies. If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine and experience any symptoms of a severe reaction, get medical care right away. These symptoms include:
- difficulty breathing
- drop in blood pressure
- tongue or throat swelling
- rash or hives
If you have a nonsevere reaction to the vaccine, it may still be possible for you to receive a second dose or a booster. Talk with your doctor to make the most informed decision.
If you experience a severe reaction to a particular vaccine, the
Delayed rash at the injection site
Some people experience a rash at the injection site of the COVID-19 vaccine a
- itchy
- painful
- red or discolored
- swollen
You can treat the itchiness of the rash with antihistamines, and the pain with OTC pain relief medications. The CDC still recommends getting your second dose and booster doses of the vaccine if you experience COVID arm. They suggest that you may want to receive the next dose in the opposite arm, however.
Learn what you need to know about COVID-19 boosters.
Whether your rash is due to COVID-19 or any other cause, there are certain symptoms that are best not to ignore. Contact your doctor right away if you have a rash that:
- appears all over your body
- occurs with a fever
- spreads rapidly
- begins blistering
- feels painful
- shows symptoms of infection, such as:
- yellow or green discharge
- swollen and crusty areas
- warmth in the affected area
- red streaks coming from the rash
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition when certain parts of the body become inflamed. The parts of the body the syndrome can affect include the:
- brain
- skin
- heart
- lungs
- kidneys
- eyes
- gastrointestinal organs
MIS-C is a
Not all children with MIS-C will experience the same symptoms. However, contact your doctor right away if your child has an ongoing fever along with any of the following symptoms:
- stomach pain
- bloodshot eyes
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- skin rash
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with COVID-19. Most symptoms appear between
Some main symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- fever or chills
- fatigue
- cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- muscle and body aches
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- congestion or runny nose
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
Learn 10 things to know about COVID-19 variants.
There are many symptoms of COVID-19. Some people report experiencing a rash along with other symptoms.
The reason why some people experience a rash and others do not is not yet known. Many other conditions can cause a rash that looks similar. If you have a new and unexplained rash, contact your doctor. The only way to know for sure if your rash may be from COVID-19 is to take a COVID test.
It is also possible to experience a rash after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have a mild rash that begins within a few days to a week after receiving the vaccine, you can generally still receive another dose.
However, if you experience symptoms of a severe reaction right after receiving the vaccine, get immediate medical care. It is a good idea not to receive another dose of that vaccine.
If you have a rash that worsens suddenly or shows symptoms of infection, contact your doctor.
