Scientists working on the Covid Symptom Study discovered that a proportion of people who tested positive for the novel virus type developed an unusual symptom.

A new coronavirus symptom has been reported that appears to be associated with the Omicron variant.

Experts believe that the new variant, which now accounts for most of the Covid-19 infections in the UK, can cause skin rashes.

The Covid Symptom Study, coordinated by academics at King’s College London and health technology business ZOE, discovered that a proportion of patients had uncommon skin rashes.

Researchers discovered that 8.8 percent of patients who had a positive coronavirus swab test had a skin rash as part of their symptoms, compared to only 5.4 percent of those who had a negative test result.

A further 8.2 percent of the people with a rash who did not have a coronavirus test but had other Covid symptoms such cough, fever, or loss of smell had similar results.

In some cases, experts noticed that a number of people who had the virus had a rash on their skin as their only sign. It’s not clear for sure if the virus caused it, but it’s possible.

Covid-19-related rashes were discovered to belong into three categories:

• Hive-type rash: It looks like raised lumps and can be extremely itchy. It can affect any area of the body and usually begins with severe itching in the palms or soles.
• ‘Prickly heat’ or chickenpox-type rash: It appears as small, itchy red lumps that can occur anywhere on the body. It can last for days or even weeks.
• Covid fingers and toes: They show up on the fingers and toes as reddish and purplish pimples.

“These findings highlight the importance of keeping an eye on any new changes in your skin, such as lumps, bumps or rashes,” said consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk.

“Documenting the skin symptoms associated with Covid-19 is an important piece of the puzzle in building our understanding of the disease,” said Dr Tanya Bleiker, President of the British Association of Dermatologists.

“Skin symptoms may play a crucial role in detecting infection in people who are otherwise asymptomatic.”

Additionally, scientists discovered that a number of patients infected with the virus reported experiencing a loss of appetite as a possible symptom.

Some people reportedly reported experiencing “brain fog” as a result of the illness.

A runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and a sore throat were all common symptoms of the Omicron variant, which were comparable to those of the Delta strain.

The new strain of the disease has also been linked to body pains and nighttime sweats.

Image Credit: Getty

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