Boston (USA): According to a new study, certain skin changes like rashes might be the only sign of COVID-19 infection, or may accompany or follow other COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology and International League of Dermatologic Societies have created an international registry for describing and cataloging the broad spectrum of dermatologic manifestations associated with coronavirus infections.
"This registry represents a large spectrum of different dermatologic manifestations with COVID-19. We're not seeing that COVID-19 causes one particular rash, but rather that it's causing a variety of rashes," lead researcher Esther E. Freeman was quoted by an official release.
The researchers reportedly collected information on 716 cases of new-onset dermatologic symptoms in patients with suspected COVID-19 infections, including 171 patients with infections confirmed with laboratory testing.
It was found that among all the lab-confirmed patients, the most common skin sign was a measles-like (morbiliform) rash. It was observed in 22 per cent of patients and was generally seen in those with moderate infections.
The next common sign was 'COVID toes' (pernio-like reaction) consisting of red or purple itchy or tender bumps on the toes, heels or fingers, typically seen when skin is exposed to cold air or surfaces. This reaction was reportedly seen in 18 per cent of patients in the registry, and was generally associated with mild infections.
"While most of the rashes are occurring at the same time as or after other COVID symptoms, 12 per cent occurred as the first or presenting sign of COVID-19," Freeman said.
"That's important to be aware of, because if you do have a rash that's unusual or might fit one of these categories and you don't have another reason for having it, that would be a reason for talking to your health-care provider," she added.
Read: China's potential COVID-19 vaccine produce strong immune response
