From purple toes to hives and eczema: How to deal with Covid skin rashes

Covid-19 not only affects your internal organs, but also meddles with your appearance. If you have experienced weight fluctuation in the weeks after having contracted the infection or been losing clumps of hair, you unfortunately know what we are talking about. However, here’s hoping that your skin has emerged out of the Covid ordeal unharmed, because not everyone has been that fortunate.

Medical experts claim that skin rashes are symptoms (albeit, not very common) and sometimes even the after-effects of a Covid infection. While those who have pre-existing skin conditions are not particularly prone to rashes, irrespective of how severe the symptoms are, skin rashes are plausible. Unfortunately, if you experience any of the rashes mentioned below, please know that your beauty regimen arsenal of skin serum, essence and moisturisers won’t be of much help, and you may need a dermatologist’s appointment (at least in some cases).

Some of the most common types of Covid-related skin woes are:


Covid toes: Covid digits turn your toes into a dreadful shade of purple causing rough patches or show up as pinkish bumps. They sometimes appear in clusters, and are itchy and even have blisters. Although your fingers are mostly spared from this rash, they are also known to affect them, sporadically, especially in winter. If you experience pain or itchiness, consult a dermatologist to get a topical ointment that can provide some relief. While the rash disappears after a spell of 10-14 days, the discoloration lingers on.So, post-recovery, nurse it with dollops of moisturiser to get rid of the roughness, and make the skin smooth. Maintain proper hygiene, and keep the feet clean.

Hives: Often a preliminary sign of Covid infection, hives are itchy red and white bumps that appear on the skin, and are often randomly distributed. They are temperamental and can linger for the entire duration of the infection or come and go during the period. During Covid, the red bumps (welts) generally appear with pyrexia characterised by high fever. However, if the welts linger on after recovery, and you see the bumps staying for about 6 weeks, it is time to consult a doctor because the skin rash may have become chronic.

Mouth & Tongue Rash: If the virus isn’t sparing our toes, then obviously the mouth is under its radar too. Covid often causes mouth or oral rashes, which are extremely painful and interferes with the food intake, and can even make your mouth sore. Although technically not a skin rash, this one can cause white pigmentation on the tongue during the infection. Sometimes, these rashes bring the whole party of oral thrush and mouth ulcers, making you feel miserable. It can also cause swelling on the mouth. Things get better as the infection wanes off though.

Eczema: While handwashing is a prerequisite to protect yourself against Covid, excessive use of soap can trigger eczema by leading to dry and cracked skin. Eczema, an inflammation and itchy skin rash, is also known to affect people with no previous history of the rash during Covid. While the connection between Covid and eczema is yet to be ascertained, it definitely needs medical attention as the itchiness can get rather severe in some cases. Aloe vera gel, and coconut oil can offer temporary relief but to manage this skin condition (especially if it is chronic), you need a doctor-prescribed skin ointment.

A Generic Covid Rash: Yes, non-specific rashes characterised by patchy skin, itchy bumps, chickenpox-like blisters or pinpoint spots can sometimes emerge on the skin during Covid.. If you are consulting a GP during this period, tell him/her about it and they will be the best judge of whether or not you would require specialised treatment. These kinds of rashes nag for some days, and disappear on their own without causing much trouble, so focus on recovering and fighting the virus instead.