Could a skin rash be a symptom of Omicron? Here’s what you should look out for

With cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 steadily rising in the UK, scientists still don’t have the full scope of symptoms caused by it.

Various reports suggest that Omicron has more of a variety of symptoms compared to previous variants separate from the usual cough, fever and loss or change of taste or smell, the Mirror reports.

While the symptoms are more varied, it appears that they are milder, although lots of people are still being hospitalised and hundreds are still losing their lives.

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In fact, many of the symptoms are more similar to a cold – with a few strange and unusual symptoms being reported.

One commonly reported symptom is a skin rash in those positive with Omicron.

Could the rash on your skin be Omicron?

Rashes are being confirmed by patients testing positive for covid, according to the ZOE COVID Study app.

This doesn’t mean that having a rash is a sole indicator of Covid – but experiencing one might prompt you to take a lateral flow test.

Among the reports of rashes, it appears there are two distinct types being experienced.

One type is similar to a prickly heat rash and is the most common, which appears on the skin as itchy bumps – while all areas of the body are affected, it seems to most commonly be found on the hands, feet and elbows.

Meanwhile, the second type is closer to a hive rash with raised bumps on the skin.

Sore patches can also appear on the skin with a purple or red colouring while appearing above the skin like little bumps – they are not reported to be itchy and seem to be more common in young people with the virus.

If the skin, as well as lips or nail beds, appears to look pale, grey or blue this could be an “emergency warning sign”, according to the US-based Center for Disease Control.

This is due to the fact that such a skin appearance could indicate a low blood level oxygen.