Rash: Sign of coronavirus in kids
Kids get lots of rashes. It can be difficult to know what’s causing them. Now you can add one more possibility to the list — a potential coronavirus infection.
Kids can get the coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone 2 years of age and older wear a cloth face mask when you cannot stay 6 feet or further from others.
Contact your child's doctor right away
Some children and teens who had a coronavirus infection develop a life-threatening condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Contact your child’s doctor right away if your child (or teen) develops any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Abdominal (in your belly) pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rash
Bloodshot eyes
COVID toes: Sign of a coronavirus infection
In children, a coronavirus infection tends to be mild. For many children, a rash known as COVID toes may be the only sign of a coronavirus infection.
If your child has COVID toes, you may see:
Red or purple toes (or fingers)
Swelling on the toes (or fingers)
A small amount of pus
Occasionally, this rash develops on the fingers instead of the toes. Whether on the toes, fingers, or both, the area can start out red and then turn purple. It can also begin with a purplish color.
In children, this rash is generally nothing to worry about. If your child has any other signs or symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever or cough, contact your child’s doctor.
Rash: Sign of past coronavirus infection and serious medical condition
After recovering from a coronavirus infection, a few children develop a life-threatening condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Doctors believe MIS-C occurs when the child’s immune system overreacts to the coronavirus infection.
While a child's body is probably reacting to the coronavirus infection when MIS-C develops, the child is no longer contagious. The child cannot spread the coronavirus to others.
MIS-C can affect different areas of a child's body. It can cause swelling in the child's heart or lungs. If your child has MIS-C, you might see one or more of the following signs on their skin or body:
Rash
Bloodshot eyes
Discolored, cracked lips
Swollen and discolored hands, feet, or both
Swollen tongue that looks like a strawberry
MIS-C can also cause other signs and symptoms, including:
Fever that lasts for days
Abdominal pain (a tummy ache)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swollen gland in neck
Confusion
Trouble staying awake
If your child has any of these signs or symptoms, call your child’s doctor right away. Most children who have MIS-C get better with medical care.
Related AAD resources
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.” Page last reviewed May 20, 2020. Last accessed June 1, 2020.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
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