Dermatological Manifestations of COVID-19: A Brief Review
September 2020
in “
Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences. India
”
male pattern hair loss COVID-19 vasculopathic lesions COVID toes exanthematous lesions varicella-like exanthems contact dermatitis hand eczema histopathology dilated dermal blood vessels immunosuppressants male pattern baldness chickenpox-like rash skin inflammation hand rash skin biopsy blood vessel dilation immune suppressants
TLDR COVID-19 can cause skin issues like "COVID toes," rashes, hair loss, and hand eczema, and dermatologists are important for recognizing these signs.
The document from September 17, 2020, provides a comprehensive review of the skin manifestations associated with COVID-19, including vasculopathic lesions like "COVID toes" and exanthematous lesions such as varicella-like exanthems. It notes an observed increase in male pattern hair loss among patients, possibly linked to the virus's entry mechanism into cells, and a rise in contact dermatitis and hand eczema among healthcare workers due to increased hygiene practices and PPE use. The review also discusses the potential immune response behind these manifestations, the association with conditions like Kawasaki's disease, and the importance of considering COVID-19 in patients with new skin manifestations. It recommends histopathology for diagnosis, with dilated dermal blood vessels being a key finding, and provides guidance on managing immunosuppressants during the pandemic. The document underscores the role of dermatologists in recognizing these skin signs, which can aid in diagnosis when viral load is low and PCR tests may be negative, and calls for updated practices and data collection efforts to better understand and manage the dermatological aspects of COVID-19.
