Skin rash and COVID: what to know

Viral illness may be accompanied by flat or raised patches, hives, or areas that look irritated. A rash can also come from a medicine taken during an illness, heat, sweating, an allergy, or a separate skin condition. Note when it began, where it is located, whether it itches, and whether fever, cough, sore throat, or other symptoms came first. Conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Drug Rash, Heat Rash, Intertrigo, Psoriasis, Ringworm, and Scabies can look different and need different care.

Follow current local testing and infection-control advice if you have symptoms of COVID or a known exposure. Keep the skin cool, avoid scratching, and use gentle, fragrance-free cleansing. Do not start a new cream or stop a prescribed medicine without professional advice; a medicine-related eruption needs prompt review. Take a clear photograph and record new products, medicines, foods, and illness symptoms to share with a clinician.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, confusion, rapidly worsening illness, blistering, skin pain, peeling, or sores involving the eyes or mouth. Arrange medical assessment when the rash is spreading, accompanied by persistent fever, or not settling, especially after a new medicine.

Could this be a viral rash, a medicine reaction, or another skin condition? Which symptoms would mean I need urgent review? Should I test for COVID, and which skin products are appropriate while the rash heals?