How Does COVID-19 Affect the Skin?

COVID-19 can affect the skin in various ways, with symptoms ranging from common rashes to more severe conditions. "Covid toes," characterized by swollen, itchy red or purple toes, are often seen in mild or asymptomatic cases. Other skin manifestations include urticarial lesions, maculopapular eruptions, and vesicular rashes. Severe cases may present with livedo reticularis, livedoid or retiform purpura, acral ischemia, and purpuric lesions, which are linked to systemic coagulopathy and a worse prognosis. These findings highlight the diverse dermatological impacts of COVID-19, as noted by experts like Tanya Evans from the Memorial Care Saddleback Medical Center.