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A New-Onset Facial Lesion in a Hospitalized COVID-19 Patient
Emelie E Nelson1, Morgan A Rousseau1, Cassandra A Mohr1
1Dermatology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, USA.
Insights
This case report details a rare facial pressure ulcer in a COVID-19 patient despite regular bed rotation. It highlights the need for awareness of atypical pressure ulcer locations during specialized treatments.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Wound Care
- Critical Care
Background:
- Pressure ulcers commonly develop in bedridden patients due to prolonged skin compression, particularly over bony prominences.
- Preventative measures, such as regular repositioning, are crucial in mitigating the risk of pressure ulcer development.
- Hospitalized patients, especially those with limited mobility, are at a significant risk for these complications.
Observation:
- A rare case of a facial pressure ulcer is presented in a patient with COVID-19.
- The ulcer developed despite the implementation of regular rotational bed treatment.
- This atypical presentation occurred in the context of prone-positioning therapy, commonly used for COVID-19 patients.
Findings:
- The facial pressure ulcer, though unusual, was successfully managed with dedicated wound care protocols.
- The lesion healed effectively through secondary intention, indicating a positive response to treatment.
- This case underscores the possibility of pressure ulcer formation even with standard preventative measures in place.
Implications:
- Increased clinical awareness is needed regarding the potential for atypical pressure ulcer locations, such as the face.
- The findings are particularly relevant given the increasing use of prone-positioning in managing severe respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
- This case highlights the importance of vigilant skin assessment and tailored preventative strategies in high-risk patient populations.
Abstract:
Pressure ulcers form when skin is compressed against a bony prominence, often in the context of prolonged supine or prone-based care. Hospitalized, bedridden patients are at the highest risk of this complication, especially when preventative measures like regular rotational bed treatment are not employed. In this case report, we present a rare case of a COVID-19-related facial pressure ulcer that occurred in the context of regular rotational bed treatment. The lesion was managed by wound care and allowed to heal by secondary intention. Ultimately, we hope that this manuscript will raise awareness for this atypical ulcer location, especially as prone-position treatment approaches take hold.
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