Coronavirus: Experts say these 4 signs of COVID are found on the skin

While we have discussed about COVID symptoms and post-COVID signs, we have ignored the visible signals that might be a warning of the onset of the disease or a residue of the infection. COVID-19 is an infection of the respiratory tract, but after invading the human body it triggers a number of complications and after its evasion from the body it leaves a mark of its attack which remains within the body for months.

The latest variant of the coronavirus which is responsible for the majority of the infections globally is the Omicron variant. This super spreader variant of the coronavirus is not only responsible for rapid transmission it is also notorious for putting the body through a range of complications even after completing its due course of infection.

Of the many symptoms of Omicron variant infection that is seen in the human body, there are few that can be seen on the skin, researchers have found.

In this case, toes can appear red or purple, similar to inflammation. Toes can be itchy too. Its occurrence was predominant during the coronavirus infection caused by the first variant, Alpha variant.

"Many people don’t feel anything and only realize that they have COVID toes when they see the discoloration and swelling on their feet (or hands). Along with the swelling and discoloration, COVID toes can also cause blisters, itch, or pain. Some people develop painful raised bumps or areas of rough skin. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19," says the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

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Many COVID infection symptoms overlap with that of the common cold ones, and chapped lips is one of them. If you have chapped lips or sore lips, it can be said that you might have had COVID in the past or are going through post-COVID condition.

Though there are several medical complications which dry out one's skin, COVID's association with dryness of skin has been seen in many patients, experts have said. Usually the skin gets drier and is itchy. It can appear during the infection or can linger on the skin for months after the infection.

Also Read: How many times you can reuse your N95 mask and the health risk of using it beyond its expiry

This is usually a common occurrence when the body is exposed to any of its allergen. Dermatologists have said patients with COVID-19 develop a rash that looks like hives. If you see any such rashes on your skin, without being exposed to any allergen, it can be said that you have already been exposed to coronavirus.

According to experts, itchy bumps, pinpoint spots, blisters like those seen in chickenpox, flat spots, lace like pattern are also seen in many patients with COVID infection.

Experts have said a lot about the COVID and post-COVID symptoms. Many signs like runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever are associated with COVID infection. Even after the infection, people are seen going through a post-COVID phase where the symptoms persist or else reappear after a while. Though there is no particular definition of post-COVID or long-COVID condition, but if the symptoms like fatigue, headache, runny nose, sore throat, loss of smell and taste, persists for a longer duration or reappears even after the infection has subsided, it is said to be long COVID.