Cutaneous signs in COVID ‐19 patients: A review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily affects the epithelium of the airways.With the increasing involvement of dermatologist in management of this crisis, cutaneous symptoms gained more and more attention. In this review, we will describe cutaneous symptoms of patients of all ages in association with COVID-19.We will focus on such disorders that are caused by direct action of SARS-CoV-2 on tissues, complement, and coagulation system and on nonspecific eruption of the systemic viral infection. Drug-induced reactions are only mentioned in the differential diagnoses. Although more systematic investigations are warranted, it becomes clear that some symptoms are clinical signs of a milder COVID-19 course, while others are a red flag for a more severe course. Knowledge of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 may help in early diagnosis, triage of patients, and risk stratification.

Schamberg‐like purpuric eruptions and tonsillitis in mild COVID ‐19

“…1,2 Variable cutaneous symptoms have been identified in association with COVID-19. 3 They might be useful to identify asymptomatic or unrecognized COVID-19 cases.…”

Contributions of dermatologists to COVID ‐19 research: A brief systematic review

“…Severe cutaneous manifestations suggested poor prognosis for patients and were beneficial for risk stratification at the early stage of the disease. 5 The management of patients with common skin diseases also attracted much attention, such as psoriasis, skin cancer, pemphigus and atopic dermatitis. Long-term use of immunosuppressants or biologics was common in these patients.…”

Global coronavirus pandemic ( SARS‐CoV ‐2): Past , present , and future of pediatric dermatology

“…Special attention was paid to the possible dermatological manifestations of COVID‐19 reported in children. In fact, recent literature has reported cases mainly in adults pertaining to urticarial, morbilliform, vesicular and petechial exanthems, and vasospastic manifestations, such as livedo reticularis and acral ischemic lesions, in association with the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection 7,8 . Only chilblain‐like lesions have been reported in children and adolescents, most of which appear in subjects without other symptoms and who have had contact with a family member who tested positive for the SARS‐CoV‐2 via swab tests 9 .…”