covid19

Skin Manifestations of Covid-19

Are you familiar with the possible skin manifestations of Covid-19?

Covid-19 or Coronavirus-19 affects people in many different ways. You may know someone who had only mild disease, with one day sore throat. Some may even have no symptoms at all! Some people are at higher risk for developing moderate to severe disease hence requiring hospitalization. The people at risk are those with a medical condition such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or asthma. Also the elderly, pregnant, and the young children.

WHO provides the following list of Covid-19 symptoms:

  • The most common symptoms: fever, cough, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell.
  • The less common symptoms are sore throat, headache, aches and pains, diarrhoea, rash on skin, and red or irritated eyes.
  • Serious symptoms include difficulty of breathing, loss of speech, mobility or confusion, and chest pain.

Two years in the pandemic, the case reports from all over the world have identified the some of the cutaneous manifestations of Covid-19.

According to UpToDate, among the 171 laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 patients with skin manifestations, these are the common presentations:

Exanthematous or morbiliform rash (22%) – predominantly involving the trunk. Rash may appear at disease onset or more frequently upon recovery. Rash appears similar to other non-specific viral rash.

Pernio-like acral lesions or “Covid toes” (18%) – usually seen in those with a relatively mild disease. These present as red-violaceous or purpuric macule on fingers, toes, elbows, and lateral aspect of feet.

Urticaria (16%) – this may be a presenting sign of Covid-19 infection. Important to note, these some patients reported no fever.

Macular erythema (13%)

Vesicular eruption (11%)

Papulosquamous eruption (9.9%)

Retiform purpura (6.4%) – associated with severe illness

Multi system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) – may present as an erythematous, polymorphic rash involving hands, feet, mouth and eyes, with findings of severe Kawasaki disease.

The frequency and timing of the skin lesions of Covid-19, and the association of the manifestations with diseases severity however are not yet certain.

In summary…

Skin lesions may be seen in those with Covid-19 though it is not that common. Skin manifestations of Covid-19 have different presenting symptoms ranging from a morbiliform rash to retiform purpura. In the near future, more date will hopefully shed more light on the relationship of skin manifestations of Covid-19 and the disease itself. Some patients may present with or without cough, with or without fever. Some skin manifestations are seen with those with mild disease, or severe disease.

If you have a high index of suspicion and you are unsure why you have a rash, it is best to consult your doctor. Especially if you have been exposed or know that you have been in an unsafe situation, it is recommended to isolate yourself. Proceed with scheduling an appointment right away. Now is not the time for self-diagnosing and self-medicating.


– dr. amy chua

Let us take this chance to remind everyone of the simple yet effective ways of preventing Covid-19 transmission.

  1. Firstly, wear your mask. Moreover, choose your mask properly and make sure it is the right fit for you.
  2. Secondly, sanitise hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
  3. Thirdly, keep social distance from other people. Avoid enclosed spaces.
  4. Hey wait, are you planning to attend a party? You know it is best to avoid gatherings. In other words, stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

Keep safe and stay healthy! Cheers to healthy skin!

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7 ways to prevent “maskne” and other face mask-related skin problems

We recently have been having consultations for increased breakouts and rashes on face, especially on area that is covered by face masks. So, we have listed down 7 ways to prevent “maskne” and other face mask-related skin problems just for you.

“Maskne” is a term coined for acne brought about wearing of face masks. “Maskne” is a type of acne mechanica – skin irritation that is caused by excess pressure, heat, and friction. The constant rubbing of poorly fitted masks and sweating can result in your breakouts or “maskne.”

If you have sensitive skin, the material of the face mask, the skin care products that you use, and the cleanliness of your masks can trigger your eczema.

tell us, What can we do to prevent this?

1. skin care fundamental: cleanse and moisturize

Dermatologists can never stress this enough! Gentle skin care is very important in preventing skin problems.  Use a mild, fragrance-free, cleanser and moisturize immediately after washing your face.

Some recommended ingredients are ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone. Dimethicone also acts as a skin protectant. Dimethicone can be found in Oillan Multilipid Face Cream.

Moisturizers can prevent breakouts and skin problems, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.

2. don’t forget your lips

You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly. Remember to apply your lip moisturizer (petroleum jelly) after washing your face, before putting on your mask and before sleeping at night. Please avoid licking your lips, instead reapply your lip moisturizer.

3. Break up with your make up!

Now is not the time to put on your make up – at least not your primer, foundation, blush on, concealer, bronzer, contour, etc. Avoid applying any make up on mask area. Your face will be covered with the face mask anyway! So skip this step and apply your bland moisturizer instead.

For those however who cannot avoid wearing make up (due to work or for whatever reason), use a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic make up.

4. keep calm and don’t experiment

Now is not the time to try and experiment with new skin care products. Wearing masks can make your skin more sensitive, even if you wear it only for a short while. Consult your dermatologist and ask for a skin care regimen that is suitable for you.

5. no new products, only new breakouts

You have been loyal to your skin care products for months or years and have not experienced any issues with your regimen. The pandemic happened and suddenly your face becomes irritated! This can be frustrating but don’t despair. Consult with your dermatologist and heed advice. Some of the products that you are using may be causing your skin problem, even if you have been using it for months or years. Remember, wearing masks can make your skin more sensitive.

6. check your mask

Make sure you wear the right mask! Check the fit and the fabric.  Is your mask too tight or too loose? Poorly-fitting masks can prompt you to keep adjusting it and the friction can irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose a mask with inner lining that feels soft. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you may benefit from using a cotton material lining inside your mask.

7. reuse after washing

Wash your cloth masks every after use! Be hygienic and wash it every after use even if you feel it is not dirty yet.  The dirt, oil, and bacteria can be the cause of your skin problem.

For those with sensitive skin, remember to use a mild, hypoallergenic detergent. Make sure you properly rinse off the soap.

For your skin problems, consult with your dermatologist and comply with the treatment plan made for you.

We hope these AC SkinTips will keep your “maskne” and other face mask-related skin concerns at bay, while keeping you SAFE. Wear your facemask, practice hand hygiene and social distancing.

Cheers to healthy skin!

For inquiries and to set your appointment, CONTACT us here.

Stay tuned for updates and promos, follow and like us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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