Frostbites, red patches, nettle rashes… Covid-19 cutaneous symptoms according to dermatologists

Published by Caroline J. · Published on 7 April 2020 at 09h22 · Updated on 7 April 2020 at 12h18

Frostbites, red patches and even nettle rashes… The National Union of Dermatologists and Venereologists has announced some cutaneous signs could be symptoms of Covid-19.

After fever, cough, breathing difficulties, digestive issues and loss of smell and taste, new coronavirus symptoms are now cutaneous and have been highlighted by several dermatologists.

In a press release, the Syndicat national des dermatologues-vénéréologues or National Union of Dermatologists and Venereologists says that some “skin lesions” could be symptoms of covid-19.

“A WhatsApp group of over 400 dermatologists (freelance and university hospital) organized by the SNDV has put forward skin lesions, associated with or without Covid signs” the press release reads. “There are acro symptoms, that is to say an aspect of pseudo-chilblains on the tips” such as fingers and toes, dermatologists say.

Another skin sign of covid-19, still according to the press release, “the sudden outbreak of persisting red patches sometimes painful and mild urticaria lesions.” Dermatologists add “The analysis of the many cases passed on to the SNDV shows that these signs can be related to covid-19”.

With these skin lesions, the National Union of Dermatologists and Venereologists wishes to raise the alarm on contagion risks, “because these signs are not accompanied by pulmonary signs, these patients are potentially contagious and are potentially carrying and spreading the virus without knowing they are. This is a very important sign our peers should know of” dermatologists write in the press release.

To limit risks, dermatologists wish people showing these signs to be tested. Dermatologists yet add these pseudo-frostbites can also have other causes and even in the spring season.