Are you suffering from Covid skin?

One of the many underreported symptoms of COVID is a skin rash, in fact almost 9% of cases report that they have experienced skin inflammation or rashes.

Researchers from Kings College London and health science company Zoe have compiled a study to collate images and information of those who have experienced a skin rash as a symptom of COVID. 17% of those who responded confirmed that a rash was the first symptom of the virus, and some reported that it was the only symptom that they experienced. The study is available online as a pre-print and has been submitted to a scientific journal for peer review.

The team at Kings College have identified 3 specific types of rashes including, hives, prickly heat and chilblains.

After suffering the symptom, myself, I spoke to many of our clinics, and they confirm that ‘Covid skin’ is in fact a reality. Clients are suffering from hypersensitive skin during and after being infected. We’re referring to the condition as Covid Skin within our consultations to differentiate the condition from any conventional skin irritation.

Skin problems that practitioners have noted include the appearance of a general rash, rosacea, and sensitised skin. In fact, insurers have advised practitioners that they should wait a period of time post COVID or vaccination before they treat a client to allow for the symptoms to subside.

Sarah Wilkinson, owner of Equilibrium Skin in Silsden commented; ‘We have noticed a strong correlation between clients having covid and developing severe skin conditions such as severe itching/irritation, burning and even flaking of the skin.Clients that otherwise have had no serious issues with skin previously are presenting with quite concerning issues that require a lot of nurturing and ‘hand holding’ to turn around.’

How to calm Covid skin

We recommend that you use gentle skin care products including mild cleansers, hydrating serums and moisturisers. Avoid harsh scrubs and chemical products until the skin has returned to normal.

Alleviate Covid skin symptoms from within.

Eat foods rich in natural oils. Omega 3 and oils in the form of oily fish, salmon, nuts, seeds and beans are nature’s natural moisturisers and they will help to nourish your skin from the inside. Avocados are also full of healthy nourishing oils and B vitamins.

Inflammation of the skin is associated with our gut health and at a time of illness this may well be out of balance. Add foods with pre and probiotics. You will find probiotics in yogurt, kefir, kimchi and kombucha. Prebiotics support the formation of probiotics. Include banana’s asparagus and garlic to ensure that you have a good supply.

Red onions, citrus, berries and green vegetables contain quercetin a potent antioxidant which helps to calm the skin as it inhibits the release of histamines.

Keep hydrated by drinking water. Avoid foods and drink that cause inflammation. These include alcohol and spicy foods as both cause flushing and heat in the skin.

Add supplements to alleviate irritation. We recommend taking a combination of 3 of our supplements. Collagen Shots is a high potency collagen drink which will help to soothe and repair skin. Skin Perfecting Complex has been specifically formulated to destress agitated skin and Immune Complex will help to populate the gut with healthy bacteria.

If you would like advice from one of our practitioners, please visit our clinic locator.