Covid 19 rashes in children are really a headache for parents. For ages, rashes are common in kids. But since the covid 19 pandemic started, coronavirus infection is a major cause for rashes in children.
The covid 19 rashes in children appearing are some chickenpox like or varicelliform. It is very similar to chickenpox rashes like bubble or small blister type.
The rashes are not contagious and the best part is when the covid 19 rash is appearing, that means body immunity is working well against the coronavirus in the body of your kid. So take deep breath, you need to stay alert and everything will be fine.
Covid 19 rashes in Children: Potential risk
It is not surprising if coronavirus infects children. In fact, many reports are coming that kids are vulnerable to get the covid 19 infections. Though most of the coronavirus infection cases in children are mild, and many times they are asymptomatic. In few cases it is turning as severe.
Covid 19 Rashes in Children: Symptoms
Covid toes: In many children, coronavirus infection is mild. Often, in children, a rash (also known as covid toes) maybe the only sign of coronavirus infection. Covid 19 rashes in children need to be diagnosed early. So you need to consult with the doctor of your child immediately if you see the following
- Red or purple toes or fingers
- Swelling on the toes or fingers
- A small amount of pus
Sometimes covid 19 rashes in children develops on your kid’s other fingers instead of toes, and sometimes this viral rash in children can involve other fingers along with toes. It is also found that skin rashes not limited to toes or other fingers, it can also be present in the underarm, legs, soles or other parts of the body.
At first, the area becomes red; then, with time, it becomes purple. The rash may begin with a purplish colour also.
Sometimes low itching is present in the rash, chickenpox like blisters may also be present as covid symptoms in kids. Point to remember that not all children will have all the same symptoms or all the symptoms at same time.
In children, this rash may be or may not be related to covid. If your child develops other signs and symptoms of covid 19 such as fever, cough etc., along with it (covid toes or rash ), then contact your child’s doctor without delay.
Covid 19 rashes in children: Diagnosis
Initially, doctors believed that skin rashes in coronavirus infection are related to a drug reaction caused by hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir as a side effect. But later many cases are found where rashes are present in coronavirus child patients who are not given hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir.
If your child develops any of the above mentioned symptom(s) then it may be due to covid 19. It is not possible to confirm the diagnosis without a covid test. If you think your child was exposed to covid 19 virus anyhow or your child shows the above mentioned symptoms its best to get the test done as early as possible.
If you think your child is covid 19 positive then isolate your child immediately from other family members. Engage your child in di
Covid 19 rashes in children: Treatment
The approach of the treatment for covid 19 rashes in children varies case to case. The treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, age of your child and the body parts where the rash appeared. If the rashes are itchy it is best to trim the finger nails of your child to avoid scratches, else situation can be worsen.
For covid 19 rashes in children, hot water contact should be avoided. Do not cover the rash. Do not rub the rash region. To relieve your child from the pain or itching, you may put a wet cloth or cool compress to the affected region. You may simply apply cold water to the itchy region. Let your child to sleep more than usual.
Do not apply any chemicals, cosmetics or not even any baby cream without instruction of doctor. Allow your child to wear soft loose clothes so that air can pass easily. Monitor your child more frequently. Follow the instructions of your child’s doctor thoroughly.
Covid 19 rashes in children: Complications
For children and teens who previously had a coronavirus infection, they may develop a life-threatening condition known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Most importantly, this condition is observed in the U.S and U.K in those who belong in the age group of 2 years to 15 years. If your child/teen develops any of the following symptoms, then you should contact for medical help. The symptoms are
- Fever
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unusual weakness and fatigue
Rash: Sign of post covid infection and serious medical condition
A few children develop a life-threatening condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children ( MIS-C) after recovering from coronavirus infection. It is believed that Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children ( MIS-C) occurs when the immune system of the child overreacts to the coronavirus infection. However, what actually causing this condition is unknown to date.
However, when Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children ((MIS-C) develops, the child’s body reacts to the coronavirus infection, but the child is no longer contagious. So the child can not spread the coronavirus infection to others.
When the child develops Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children( MIS-C), different body areas are affected, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs. Swelling of the child’s heart or lung may occur. The child also may have
- Rash
- Bloodshot eyes
- Swollen tongue that looks like a strawberry
- Cracked, discoloured lips
- Swollen and discoloured hands, feet or both
- Fever lasting for days(4 days or more)
- Headache that is covid headache
- Swollen glands in neck, neck pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain(a tummy ache)
- Confusion
- Trouble to stay awake
- Feeling extra tired (Extreme Fatigue)
It is important to note that not all children will have all the same symptoms. If your child develops any of these signs or symptoms, then consult with your child doctor without delay.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children can be serious, sometimes deadly, but most children who develop this life-threatening condition (Multisystem Inflammatory syndrome in children) improves with medical care. Treatment may include blood thinners, IV immunoglobulin and corticosteroids. Seek emergency care immediately if your child shows any of the following emergency warning signs of MIS-C (Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children)
- Trouble breathing or difficulty breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- New confusion
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pale, grey or blue coloured skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Covid 19 rashes in Children: Prevention
But as said prevention is best way. The only way to prevent covid 19 rashes in children is to prevent your child from getting infected. Worldwide the juniors are started to get vaccinated, if your child is above 2 years of age, he/she might be eligible to get the vaccine in your country. Try to give the covid 19 vaccine to your kid(s) as soon as possible.
As per the recommendation of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids should wear a cloth face mask when a physical distance of at least 6 feet is not possible to maintain. The mask should cover both the nose and mouth. It should note that there should not be any gap on sides of the mask, so to prevent aerosol from environment.
Also note that kids below two years of age are not recommended to wear a mask. The best way to prevent the viral infection in your child is to avoid all kinds of outdoor activities of your child. It is not that difficult to protect your child from covid 19. When your little one is getting vaccine please ensure that your child get maximum benefit from the vaccine.
Try to avoid doing anything and everything that can bring covid 19 infections to your child. You can productively use the time and engage your child at home. This will help your child to keep active and not even get bored.
As Parents, if you are exposed to covid 19 infection, your children will automatically get the disease from you. So both the parents get covid 19 vaccine as soon as possible. Also maintain all the covid protocols even after vaccination. Stay safe and healthy.
