Pityriasis rubra pilaris post-infection due COVID-19: case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can manifest with diverse dermatological conditions.
• Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare chronic skin disorder characterized by specific types of lesions.

Observation:

• A 32-month-old boy, IgG positive for SARS-CoV-2, presented with a 4-day history of pruritic skin eruptions on hands and feet.
• Clinical findings included generalized papular erythema, erythematosquamous plaques on upper extremities, and palmoplantar keratoderma, leading to a PRP diagnosis.

Findings:

• The patient received topical cream, cetirizine, and oral prednisolone.
• Initial improvement was noted, with persistent lesions on the trunk and extremities.
• Complete dermatological resolution was observed at a three-month follow-up.

Implications:

• This case represents a novel association between pityriasis rubra pilaris and post-SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient.
• Further research is warranted to understand the potential pathomechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 and PRP.
• Clinicians should consider SARS-CoV-2 as a potential trigger for dermatological conditions like PRP in children.