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Dermatologic manifestations and complications of COVID-19
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, United States of America.
Insights
Recognizing skin conditions associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is crucial for early detection and management. Dermatologic manifestations, including rashes and lesions, can signal COVID-19 infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications receive significant attention, but dermatologic manifestations are also critical.
- Awareness of skin findings is essential for emergency medicine clinicians managing COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the dermatologic manifestations and complications of COVID-19.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing these skin findings for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reported dermatologic manifestations associated with COVID-19.
- Emphasis on clinical recognition and implications for emergency medicine.
Main Results:
- Recognized dermatologic manifestations include maculopapular rashes, urticaria, vesicles, petechiae, purpura, chilblains, livedo racemosa, and distal limb ischemia.
- Etiologies are primarily attributed to vasculitis or direct viral involvement.
- Most skin findings are self-resolving but aid in increasing suspicion for COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologic manifestations are increasingly recognized in COVID-19.
- Knowledge of these skin findings aids in identifying potential COVID-19 patients.
- Proper management of dermatologic complications is vital for patient care.
Abstract:
The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While much of the focus has been on the cardiac and pulmonary complications, there are several important dermatologic components that clinicians must be aware of.
Objective:
This brief report summarizes the dermatologic manifestations and complications associated with COVID-19 with an emphasis on Emergency Medicine clinicians.
Discussion:
Dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly recognized within the literature. The primary etiologies include vasculitis versus direct viral involvement. There are several types of skin findings described in association with COVID-19. These include maculopapular rashes, urticaria, vesicles, petechiae, purpura, chilblains, livedo racemosa, and distal limb ischemia. While most of these dermatologic findings are self-resolving, they can help increase one's suspicion for COVID-19.
Conclusion:
It is important to be aware of the dermatologic manifestations and complications of COVID-19. Knowledge of the components is important to help identify potential COVID-19 patients and properly treat complications.
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