Coronavirus symptoms: Dermatologist explains possible rashes

Covid has continued to spread across the globe, and the UK now has the highest death rate in the world. There are some vital symptoms that you should be looking out for, but you could also be at risk of the infection if you develop particular rashes.

Covid has killed more than 80,000 people in the UK since the start of the pandemic, according to latest figures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to announce a third national lockdown earlier this month.

He explained that the tier restrictions were working against the original coronavirus strain.

But a deadly, more virulent Covid variant was spotted in the southeast of England in December, sparking a third wave of infections.

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Scientists have revealed that there may be some warning signs of infection on your skin.

Rashes, dry lips, and so-called ‘Covid toes’ could be caused by the coronavirus, according to the British Association of Dermatologists, and the ZOE Covid Symptom Study app.

Consultant dermatologist, Veronique Bataille, said: “Our research shows that rashes can be more predictive of COVID-19 than fever and cough, particularly in children.

“We found that one in six children gets a rash without any other classical symptoms. For most, COVID-19 rashes last for a few weeks and eventually disappear. In some cases, prescribed medication may be needed if the rash is very itchy.”

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Rash

Some Covid patients have reported developing a hive-type rash on their skin, said the Covid Symptom Study app.

It was the most common type of Covid-related rash, and they can be intensely itchy.

It appears as sudden raised hives or wheals on the skin, and they may come and go over a period of hours.

Others have developed a chickenpox-like rash, which may feel like a “prickly heat”.

Dry lips

Your lips may become sore if you develop coronavirus, it warned.

Some patients have reported unusually dry and scaly lips, although it usually develops toward the end of the infection.

The soreness may also develop inside the mouth, as a result of the dry lips.

Covid toes

The most specific type of skin rash for Covid patients develops on their fingers and toes.

The rash is often known as chilblains, and was relatively rare before the coronavirus pandemic.

It causes red/purple bumps on the fingers or toes, and they can be very sore.

The top layer of skin may end up peeling as a result of the rash, although it’s not usually itchy.

The most important symptoms of coronavirus include a high fever, a new, continuous cough, and a loss of taste or smell, according to the NHS.

Your chest or back may feel hot to the touch, and you may be having at least three coughing episodes within a 24-hour period.

If you develop any of the key warning signs of coronavirus, you should book a test straight away.

Self-isolate until you receive the results of your Covid test. If it’s negative, you can return to normal national lockdown life. But if it’s positive, you should self-isolate for at least 10 days.

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