Coronavirus: THIS change in skin colour can indicate severe COVID-19 infection

With the emergence of the Omicron variant, COVID-19 infections have taken a milder turn. Currently, sore throat, fever, cough, headache, runny/stuffy nose are some of the most common signs that pose no serious danger to a person's health. However, those prone to severe COVID and complications should still take necessary precautions. These include older adults 60 and above, immunocompromised people and people who have pre-existing health conditions.

But what exactly is severe COVID-19 infection? Let us find out.

Also read: 50% COVID survivors showing depression and anxiety symptoms: Study

When a person is infected and falls severely ill with COVID-19, it is known as a severe COVID infection. This could mean that the patient is critically ill with acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Some of the characteristics of severe illness include: SpO2 <94%, PaO2/FiO2 <300 mm Hg, a respiratory rate >30 breaths/min, or lung infiltrates >50%, as per National Institute of Health guidelines for COVID treatment.

There could be several signs of severe COVID-19 infection, but according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having “blue-coloured skin” is one symptom of COVID. One may experience a “pale” or “grey” skin tone, which can also affect the nail bed.

Blue skin tone often indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood. This condition is called cyanosis.

According to Medlineplus, a part of the United States National Library of Medicine, “Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

“Most of the time, nearly all red blood cells in the arteries carry a full supply of oxygen.

“These blood cells are bright red and the skin is pinkish or red.

“Blood that has lost its oxygen is dark bluish-red.

“People whose blood is low in oxygen tend to have a bluish colour to their skin. This condition is called cyanosis.

“Depending on the cause, cyanosis may develop suddenly, along with shortness of breath and other symptoms," it concludes.

Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration seen on the tongue and lips, which indicates a lack of oxygen in the Central arterial blood.

As per Medicineplus, "Cyanosis that is caused by long-term heart or lung problems may develop slowly.

“Symptoms may be present, but are often not severe.”

However, if it is accompanied with other serious problems such as shortness of breath, contact for medical help.

The CDC recommends seeking emergency medical attention in case of a bluish skin tone. Especially when normal colour does not return when your skin is rubbed or warmed, it is important to get medical attention right away to determine the cause.

Furthermore, if the skin tone change is accompanied by difficulty breathing, such as gasping for breath, chest pain, profuse sweating, do not wait to call for medical assistance.

Some of the most common symptoms of COVID are as follows:

- Sore throat

- Fever

- Fatigue

- Cough

- Body aches and pains

- Blocked or runny nose

- Joint pain

- Gastrointestinal issues.