Chandigarh: Doctors draw attention to skin changes that signal Covid-19

Development of Chillblains (redness and swelling) on fingertips or toes lasting for more than 12 days, newly formed blisters lasting for more than ten days, wheals with itching for more than six days without any other past disease, a bluish discoloration as well as necrosis of skin have to be immediately told to a doctor.

“Several studies and data from Italy, Spain and USA have revealed, at least 20 per cent of Covid-19 cases have skin manifestations”, said Dr. Vikas Sharma. (Express Photo: Kamleshwar Singh)

PGI Doctors cautioned people to look for changes in their skin which may be symptoms of Covid-19. Dr Priyansh Gupta, from the Department of Dermatology, PGIMER said that any kind of redness, blisters, wheels that persist for a long period should be shown to a doctor immediately as they can be signs of Covid-19 that they need to be alert about.

“Development of Chillblains (redness and swelling) on fingertips or toes lasting for more than 12 days, newly formed blisters lasting for more than ten days, wheals with itching for more than six days without any other past disease, a bluish discoloration as well as necrosis of skin have to be immediately told to a doctor. Development of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you are infected with coronavirus, but one should not hesitate to consult a dermatologist if they develop these symptoms,” he said.

“Several studies and data from Italy, Spain and USA have revealed, at least 20 per cent of Covid-19 cases have skin manifestations. In some, skin manifestations appear late, while in some it precedes the classical symptoms of infection,” said Dr Vikas Sharma, MD PGI, who is also the chief consultant dermatologist at National Skin Hospital, Panchkula.

Sharma explained the cutaneous signs of Covid-19 includes rashes, erythematous exanthem (including a lacy pattern), a dengue-like rash, and chickenpox-like blisters. ‘Covid toes’ or black crusted lesions on the tips of fingers and toes, which are described as like pernio/chilblains or frostbite, are also signs. “Covid toes seem to be more common in young patients, children and adolescents in particular, and portend a mild course, or develop after asymptomatic infection,” he said.

“Vesicular eruptions appeared earliest, prior to other symptoms in 15 per cent of cases; these developed on trunk and extremities, were most common in middle-aged adults, and typically lasted about 10 days.”

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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