While children seem to be less affected by Covid-19, they can still get it, and it can show up as a rash. In this blog, we look at how they might show symptoms of Covid rash. 

Although symptoms can vary enormously, the main signs of Covid-19 are recognised as a high temperature, a persistent cough and loss of taste and smell. But there are many other issues associated with the virus, including problems with the skin.

What is Covid rash?

Covid rash is the name that’s given to the skin issues that some people with Covid-19 suffer from.

Not everyone who is infected with the virus gets an accompanying rash, but enough do that it’s now recognised as one of the main diagnostic signs of the disease.

The eight different kinds of Covid rash are:

• hives (urticaria)
• 'prickly heat' (often on elbows and knees, hands and feet)
• 'Covid toe' (see below)
• Pityriasis rosea (scaly patches)
• neck and chest eczema
• Purpuric (purple bruise-like patches)
• Exanthem (symmetrical blotches)

How does Covid rash manifest in children?

Although far fewer children than adults get Covid-19, some do, and of those that do a significant proportion also get an accompanying rash. In fact, for many children with Covid-19, the only sign that they’ve been infected is a rash on their skin.

Most commonly, this tends to affect their toes. Covid toes - or fingers - look like they have chilblains. The areas about the finger and toe nails get swollen, discoloured (purple or brown or red depending on skin colour), and painful.

There may be some pus as well. Although it can be uncomfortable and look worrying, the rash itself usually resolves without any treatment or problems, and most children don’t get very sick.

Further complications 

However, it is possible for children to go on to develop a much more serious complication of Covid-19, that may also be accompanied by rashes on the skin.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is very rare, thankfully, but must be taken seriously. If your child gets very poorly, has a rash over their body, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, swollen hands, feet or tongue, confusion or trouble staying awake, call 999.

Skincare for children with Covid rash

Covid-19 can sometimes affect children, and many children with the virus have symptoms that appear on their skin, even if they have no other signs of the disease. Most common is Covid toe.

If a rash is their only symptom, they’re likely to have a mild version of the virus and not need any treatment except for quarantine in line with government advice. 

If you’re worried about any rashes that aren’t Covid toe, or if they get poorly with other symptoms, get advice from a doctor.

Recommended products for Covid Skin Rash

Balmonds Cooling Cream
with shea, menthol, aloe vera & lavender