Cutaneous Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a multisystem disease affecting all age groups.
• Beyond respiratory symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 infection presents a wide spectrum of cutaneous manifestations.
• Recognizing these skin findings is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of the various skin manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To detail the clinical presentation, proposed pathogenesis, histopathology, prognosis, and treatment of COVID-19 related dermatoses.
• To emphasize the importance of physician awareness for early identification and intervention.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of published literature on SARS-CoV-2 and associated skin findings.
• The review synthesizes information on clinical presentation, pathogenesis, histopathology, prognosis, and treatment.
• Data was compiled from various case reports, observational studies, and review articles.

Main Results:

• Common skin patterns include chilblain-like lesions (CBLL), maculopapular, urticarial, vesicular, and livedoid lesions.
• Less common findings include erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions and dermatological manifestations of MIS-C and MIS-A.
• Skin findings can vary in presentation and severity across different patient demographics.

Conclusions:

• Skin manifestations are a significant clinical feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Awareness of these dermatological signs can improve the early detection and management of COVID-19.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of these skin conditions is warranted.