Presentation and Management of Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19

Introduction: The spread of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has instigated a fervent race of the medical community to identify its manifestations, the patients at risk, and optimal disease management. While the COVID-19 illness is largely associated with respiratory consequences, there is increased reporting of other organ-specific disease sequelae that include the skin.

Objective: To identify, describe, and classify the main skin manifestations of COVID-19 and associated protocols for management.

Methods: Forty-five patients from three clinical centers in North and South America with positive COVID-19 PCR and/or serology presenting cutaneous manifestations were included in this retrospective chart review. Medical history, biopsies, dermoscopy, laboratory findings, clinical photography, and disease management were documented.

Results: Seven main types of cutaneous manifestations were identified: exanthema/molbilliform, urticaria, papular/pustular/vesicular, petechiae/purpura, livedo reticularis, chilblains, and alopecia. Histopathogical analysis from skin biopsies and/or dermoscopy highlighted an inflammatory or vascular pathophysiology depending on the type of manifestation. While the first three types of COVID-19 skin manifestations preceded or coincided with other symptoms such as anosmia, fever, chills, chilblains, and livedo were found in later disease stages. All cases had a positive resolution with appropriate treatment.

Conclusions: Cutaneous symptoms are part of the COVID-19 disease spectrum. Early identification, diagnosis, and management through a multidisciplinary approach can facilitate safe disease resolution for patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(1):76-83. doi:10.36849/JDD5676.