Cutaneous Manifestations in Adult Patients with COVID-19 and Dermatologic Conditions Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Health Care Workers

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020 Oct 12;20(12):75. doi: 10.1007/s11882-020-00974-w.

Abstract

Purpose of review: COVID-19 (coronavirus viral disease 2019), due to the novel SARS-CoV-2, may present with different types of cutaneous manifestations of varying pathophysiology. During the ongoing pandemic, publications reporting dermatologic findings in COVID-19 continue to emerge.

Recent findings: Cutaneous vasculopathy and microthrombus-related changes including acral and sacral lesions, retiform purpura, livedo reticularis, and cutaneous vasculitis are notable findings in adult patients. Other exanthems include urticaria or angioedema, morbilliform/maculopapular exanthems, erythema multiforme, and vesicular eruptions. Increased recognition of these findings, especially those consistent with cutaneous microthrombi or vasculitis, is of particular importance. Additionally, occupational dermatologic disease related to extended personal protective equipment (PPE) use, such as skin damage and irritant or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), represents another emerging problem amidst the pandemic. In this review, we highlight the various cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID-19 in adult patients and occupational dermatitis in health care workers (HCWs) caring for this patient population.

Keywords: COVID-19; Contact dermatitis; Cutaneous manifestations; Dermatologic; Rash; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Skin Diseases / virology*