Skin manifestations in children with MIS-C and COVID-19: a narrative review

Heba Sati1, Noor Alzraikat2, Milanie Milan1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon.

PubMed

Insights

Children with COVID-19 can develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), often presenting with diverse and overlooked skin manifestations. Early recognition of these pediatric skin symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of MIS-C.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • COVID-19 presents varied severity in children, with some developing multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C).
  • MIS-C can affect multiple organs, including the skin, and poses life-threatening risks.
  • Skin manifestations in pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C are diverse and often missed, necessitating further research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and highlight the varied skin manifestations in children and adolescents with COVID-19 and MIS-C.
  • To emphasize the importance of recognizing these dermatological signs for early diagnosis and treatment.
  • To provide an overview of the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases.
  • Studies published up to October 1, 2022, were included.
  • A narrative review methodology was employed, with independent review and consensus by multiple researchers.

Main Results:

  • Skin manifestations in pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C are diverse and frequently overlooked.
  • These dermatological signs can be indicative of severe disease and require prompt attention.
  • The review synthesizes information on presentation, underlying mechanisms, diagnosis, and management.

Conclusions:

  • Diverse skin manifestations are a key feature in pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C.
  • Further research is essential to fully understand the impact of these conditions on children.
  • Early identification of skin symptoms is critical for appropriate care and improved outcomes in at-risk pediatric populations.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
3.9K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
947
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
4.2K
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
321
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
336
Stages of Infection01:26

Stages of Infection

Stages of infection describe what happens to a susceptible host once a pathogen invades the human body. The stages of infection are incubation, prodromal, illness, stage of decline, and convalescence. The incubation stage is the period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms start. The infected person is unaware of impending illness as the pathogens grow and multiply within the body. The duration may vary depending on the type of infection. The incubation period of measles averages ten to...
56.6K