Coronavirus transmission can expose you to persistent skin issues: Study

We all know that the novel coronavirus,
responsible for claiming more than a million lives by now, grievously affects respiratory
and neuro system but did you know that it can leave a lasting impact on your skin, as well?

The study conducted by
American researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) as per an ANI
report unveils skin-related symptoms like rashes on the long haulers of
COVID-19.

Who are COVID-19 Long
Haulers?

Long Haulers are patients
who got infected and tested negative after being treated
but continue to combat the symptoms or even develop newer ones. They never
recover from the disease long after testing negative.

How was the research
undertaken?

Researchers established an International repository in April
to record skin-related issues prompted by COVID-19 while doctors were asked in
June and August to update the lab results and duration of skin symptoms in
patients.

Long hauling period for the
purpose of study was taken to be at least 60 days

What are the Findings?

• Measles-like rashes were
  observed for seven days.

• Urticarial eruptions
  lasted for almost four days.

• Papulosquamous eruptions
  were observed for almost 20 days.

• COVID Toes (redness and
  swelling of the feet and hands)

“Our observations reveal a
previously unreported sub-division of patients with long-standing skin symptoms
from covid-19, in particular those with COVID toes. This data shed light on the
long-term effects of COVID-19 in different organ systems. The skin is
potentially a visible window into inflammation that could be going on in the
body,” said senior author Esther E. Freeman, MD, PhD, director of Global Health
Dermatology at MGH reported ANI.

However, the research was
presented at the 29th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and
Venereology.