Viral exanthema as manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report

The clinical manifestations of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are mainly respiratory but the virus can cause a variety of symptoms. Dermatological findings are less well-characterized. Data is scarce on their timing, type and correlation with the immune response.

We present the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a previously healthy woman who presented with respiratory symptoms and developed anosmia, diarrhea, and an erythematous maculo-papular rash on day 15 from symptom onset.

The nasopharyngeal swab tested by real time PCR for COVID-19 was positive. We interpreted this as a viral exanthema likely caused by an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 nucleotides.

She was treated with Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and Lopinavir/Ritonavir, and the rash with topical corticosteroids.

All symptoms resolved except for anosmia which persisted for 6 weeks. At the 4- and 6-weeks follow-up the IgG titers for SARS-CoV-2 were high.

We must consider that SARS-CoV-2 has a multi-organ tropism. In our case, the SARS-CoV-2 infection had lung, nasopharyngeal, neurological, digestive, and skin manifestations. Identifying the different manifestations is useful for understanding the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We not only present a rare manifestation but also suggest that cutaneous manifestations may correlate with immunity.