COVID-19 Rash: Are Rashes and Skin Conditions a Symptom of Coronavirus Infection?

A rash probably isn’t the first symptom that comes to mind when thinking of COVID-19. But in addition to a runny nose, cough, and sore throat, COVID can also cause symptoms in the skin. Although less common, it’s still helpful to know what a COVID rash can look like.

What kinds of rashes are common with COVID?

There’s no single COVID rash. Like with other viral illnesses, there are many different types of rashes you can get with COVID. But none of them are common. 

It’s hard to say exactly how many people get skin changes with COVID. Studies report a wide variability — anywhere from 0.2% to 45%. However, it seems the real number may be closer to 6%. 

Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, healthcare professionals and researchers reported links between COVID and skin rashes. But these were often poorly and inconsistently documented. As the pandemic — and research — progressed, a large number of studies emerged, documenting a variety of skin conditions linked to COVID. 

Here are the six main categories of COVID rashes. 

1. Morbilliform or “measles-like” rash

Don’t be put off by the strange name. It just means a “measles-like” rash. Another name for this rash is a maculopapular rash. This is the most common type of rash that people get with COVID. It’s also common with other viral infections and as a reaction to some medications. 

With this rash, you’ll notice multiple small bumps over the skin that are red, purple, or brown. The bumps may itch. Typically, this type of rash is limited to the trunk (the torso, back, and abdominal areas). And it usually starts within the first few days of a COVID infection. 

Here’s what a morbilliform or maculopapular rash looks like in different skin tones. 

A morbilliform rash on the torso.

In darker skin tones, a morbilliform rash may be harder to see.

2. Hives

Hives (also called urticaria) are another type of rash linked to COVID. Hives are raised welts that look red, purple, or skin-colored. They range from the size of a pencil eraser to as big as a dinner plate, and they’re typically very itchy. 

It’s likely that a COVID infection triggers a hyperactive immune reaction that causes these hives. Hive symptoms can start early in a COVID infection. But they don’t usually last longer than a week. It’s normal for hives to disappear and then reappear in other locations around the body. 

Here’s what hives look like in different skin tones. 

Hives on Black skin are more subtle.

Hives on fairer skin.

3. Vesicles

Vesicles are small, fluid-filled bumps that look like tiny blisters. In some cases, blisters just form on the torso. But more commonly, blisters start on the trunk and then spread to the arms and legs. The palms of your hands and the soles of your feet may also be affected. 

This rash usually clears up within a week.

4. COVID toes 

“COVID toes” is the name given to swollen and discolored toes that happen in some people with COVID. It seems to be more common in children and young adults with COVID. 

COVID toes can affect one or more toes. It can even affect your fingers. Typically, the toe(s):

• Is swollen

• Turns a red, purple, or brown color

• Can look mottled (spots of different colors)

The toes may itch or hurt. The skin may even blister. 

COVID toes are a type of chilblains. There are many causes of chilblains, most commonly due exposure to cold temperatures. COVID is just one cause. Experts aren’t sure why chilblains happen with COVID. But it’s possible they happen as a result of an immune reaction to the COVID virus.

Here’s what chilblains look like. These aren’t “COVID toes” specifically, but they’re similar. 

Chilblains on darker skin.

Chilblains on the toes in fair skin.

5. Vaso-occlusive lesions

This is the least common type of rash linked to COVID. That’s because it’s linked to more severe cases of COVID. It’s more likely to happen in people who are hospitalized with a COVID infection.

Vaso-occlusive skin lesions happen as a result of blockages in small blood vessels in the skin. The resulting rash looks like purple or brown skin patches, sometimes arranged in a circular pattern. The fingertips and toe tips may turn brown or black. 

All these changes happen when the skin isn’t getting enough oxygen as a result of the blocked blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to dead skin tissue. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• COVID-19 or cold? COVID has changed a lot over the years. Here are the most common COVID symptoms — and how to tell the difference between COVID and a cold. 

• Top causes of rash in children: When your child gets a new rash, it can help to know the likely causes (with pictures), so you can plan your next steps. 

• Hives are itchy rashes that come and go. Many things can cause hives, from food to medications and even viruses. Read more about common triggers and how to treat them.

6. Less common COVID rashes

There are other rarer rashes that have been linked to COVID:

• Petechiae (small dark-red or brown dots on the skin from tiny blood vessels bursting)

• Livedo reticularis (a purple, net-like rash commonly seen on the legs)

• Canker sores (mouth sores) 

COVID rash in kids

Kids can get COVID rashes too. Studies show that they get the same types of rashes that adults get. But children tend to have milder COVID infections. As a result, COVID toes (or fingers) or other rashes may be their only sign of a COVID infection. 

COVID rashes in kids usually go away on their own as their COVID infection resolves. But in rare situations, some kids may have a more serious medical condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This is a complication of COVID that usually happens 2 to 4 weeks after an active infection. 

The rash in MIS-C can look different in different kids. Some may have a morbilliform rash, while others develop large patches of red or violet skin. In addition to a rash, here are other symptoms of MIS-C to look for: 

• Bloodshot eyes

• Pink eye

• Swollen tongue

• Pale, gray, or blue lips

• Fever

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Confusion

The risk of MIS-C has gone down since COVID vaccinations have become available. 

Are there any COVID rash treatments?

Most COVID rashes go away on their own as the body fights the COVID infection. (Exceptions are the more serious rashes like vaso-occlusive lesions and rashes linked to MIS-C in children.) 

But if you’re uncomfortable with rash symptoms, these at-home treatments can help: 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone or calamine lotion to help with itching 

• Cold compresses to improve swelling 

• OTC pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen

• Oatmeal baths to soothe itchy or irritated skin 

• OTC antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) can help with itching

What should you do if you think you have a COVID rash?

If you have a new rash or other COVID symptoms, it’s best to stay home until your symptoms settle. You can also take a test to know if you have COVID or not. 

This can help you decide what to do next, such as seeing your primary care provider for COVID treatment, like Paxlovid (if you qualify). You may also want to stay home from work or school, and stay away from people with risk factors for severe COVID, like your older relatives. 

If you’re concerned about your rash, your primary care provider or a board-certified dermatologist can help make a diagnosis and suggest treatment options. Many clinicians offer virtual visits that you can set up from home. 

How long does a COVID rash normally last? 

COVID rashes typically last a week or less. And they can sometimes be the only sign of COVID. If you notice any skin changes, let your healthcare team know. They can guide you on the next steps to take.

Is a COVID rash contagious?

COVID rashes themselves aren’t contagious. But if you have COVID and a rash, you can transmit COVID to others. This is true even if you don’t have other symptoms of COVID, like a runny nose, cough, or sore throat. 

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Written by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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Images used with permission from VisualDx (www.visualdx.com).